The healthcare system in the Gaza Strip has “totally collapsed due to the Israeli war.”
Health ministry Spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qudra made this disclosure at a news conference in Gaza City.
He said that 65 medics have been killed and 25 ambulances have been destroyed in Israeli air raids since October 7, 2023.
“Twelve hospitals and 32 healthcare centers were forced out of service. We are afraid that many more will stop operations in the coming hours due to lack of fuel, he said.
“Children, women and elders make up around 70 percent of the victims,” al-Qudra said, adding that around 1,550 people are reported to be trapped under the rubble, including 870 children.
He added, “The Israeli occupation committed massacres against Palestinian families in past hours that left 305 children, 173 women and 78 elders dead.”
Prior to al-Qudra’s statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that nearly two-thirds of Gaza’s health facilities have ceased functioning during a deadly increase in Israeli air raids.
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, 2023 with 16,297 injured.
1,405 have been killed in Israel while 5,431 have been injured.
Tamara Alrifai, communications chief of the United Nations Palestine refugee relief agency UNRWA, described the aid trucks that have entered Gaza as a drop in the ocean.
Only 54 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Alrifai added that urgently needed fuel for generators was not included in the shipments. Instead, rice and lentils were delivered, which cannot be cooked because people do not have access to the water and gas they need for cooking.
Meanwhile, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General, Herzi Halevi suggested that Israel has no intention of stopping its deadly air strikes on Gaza.
“We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling. We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south,” Halevi noted in a statement.
Israeli military Spokesperson, Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari also said that the military was “ready and determined” for the next stage in the war, and is awaiting political instruction.
In addition, the Israeli army appealed to residents in Gaza to reveal information on captives held by Hamas in exchange for security and financial compensation.
“If you want a better future for you and your child, take action and give us as soon as possible solid and useful information concerning the abductees in your area,” an army statement said.
“The Israeli army assures you it will put forth maximum effort to provide security to you and your home, as well as a monetary reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality,” it added.
The army then provided contact details.
Qatari Emir Says Enough Is Enough
Also on Tuesday, The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani called on the international community to restrain Israel in its war on Gaza.
In his opening speech at the Shura council’s annual session, the Emir said that the conflict is a dangerous escalation threatening the region.
“We are saying enough is enough. It is untenable for Israel to be given an unconditional green light and free licence to kill, nor it is tenable to continue ignoring the reality of occupation, siege and settlement.”
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani
Also, The Emir condemned the violence against innocent civilians on both sides.
Moreover, he accused the international community of “double standards” and “acting as if Palestinian children’s lives are not worth to be reckoned with as though they are faceless or nameless.”
Calling for an end to this war that “has transcended all limits,” the Qatari Emir said, “It should not be allowed in our time to use cutting off water and preventing medicine and food as weapons against an entire population.”
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