Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza as Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached 23,469, with 112 Palestinians killed in the last 24 hours alone. Of the total casualties, 70% are reported to be women and children. Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, a total of 59,604 people have been injured, and 6,200 among them urgently need treatment outside Gaza.

Hospitals, facing overcrowding and critical shortages of medical staff, supplies, and fuel, are struggling to cope. The World Health Organization notes that 15 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional. The situation is particularly dire in the southern Gaza Strip, with nine partially functional hospitals operating well beyond their capacity.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that only 21% of planned aid deliveries to the north of Wadi Gaza have proceeded between January 1-11. With 1.9 million people, or nearly 85% of Gaza’s population, estimated to be internally displaced, urgent calls have been made for UN intervention to provide water, food, and shelter to prevent a catastrophic outcome.