Hospitals face overwhelming challenges while neighbourhoods lie in ruins
Recent satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies, released via Reuters, reveals extensive damage across Gaza’s neighbourhoods due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes amid the conflict, now entering its 20th day. Particularly affected areas include Atatra, Al-Karama, and Beit Hanoun, where buildings and green spaces have been reduced to rubble since Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel.
Intensive strikes have led to extensive devastation, with hospitals across Gaza struggling to manage overwhelming numbers of injured patients due to severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths expressed concern over the “bare trickle” of aid entering Gaza, stating that civilians’ basic needs are not being met, despite escalating bombardments.
Israel’s military reports targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure, with ground operations and strikes overnight near Gaza’s northern region, including tank shelling. Palestinians in central Gaza described heavy overnight attacks, while the southern Khan Younis refugee camp saw at least 15 fatalities after several homes were levelled.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reports over 7,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, while Israeli officials have confirmed over 1,400 fatalities, predominantly civilians from the initial Hamas assault. Israel has announced that 222 hostages, including foreign nationals, are being held by Hamas, with the militant group claiming that about 50 have died from Israeli airstrikes—a claim yet to be independently verified.
UN officials warn of Gaza’s dire state, emphasising that civilians face grave risks amid a lack of safe refuge, food, water, and assurances for any return.
