Thousands of Lives Lost in Gaza Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict, Health Ministry Reports

The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 30,000 individuals have lost their lives since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started in October. This grim milestone highlights the ongoing international calls for Israel to cease the violence and the escalating concerns of more violence in Rafah.

The staggering number of casualties reflects the harrowing experience endured by Palestinians in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have resulted in widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian emergency.

Israel continues to face increasing international pressure to end the conflict, however, it still maintains the backing of the United States, its primary ally and main provider of military assistance. Despite the US suggesting a "temporary ceasefire" at the United Nations recently, it has blocked efforts for an immediate stop to the ongoing conflict.

The latest development raises concerns about the potential escalation of suffering in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which is home to over 1 million people and is anticipated to be the target of a new Israeli military operation.

Gaza’s health ministry has reported that around 70% of the casualties are women and children, without distinguishing between civilians and fighters.

Israel has estimated that approximately 10,000 Hamas fighters have been killed since October 7, when Israel declared war on the militant group. On that same day, more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed during Hamas’ attacks, with over 250 individuals being kidnapped and taken hostage in Gaza.

CNN is unable to confirm the casualty figures in Gaza or the number of Hamas fighters reported to be killed by Israel.

Israel has stated that over 100 hostages are still being held in captivity after nearly five months. Despite global calls to ease their military actions, Israeli political and military officials are determined to continue their mission to rescue the hostages and eradicate Hamas.

Paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) gather in Hebron, West Bank to protest the loss of their colleagues in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Hazem Bader/AFP/Getty Images

Related article

Red Crescent has decided to halt coordinated medical missions with Israeli forces in Gaza out of concerns for safety.

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz issued a warning on February 17, stating that military operations in Rafah will escalate if hostages are not returned before the start of Ramadan, which is anticipated to fall on March 10 or 11.

At a gathering of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, Gantz stated that if the hostages are not returned by Ramadan, the fighting will escalate to the Rafah area.

Israel's bombing and ground campaigns in Gaza have raised concerns among its Western allies, including the United States, who have been highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian population caught in the crossfire.

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden criticized the Israel Defense Forces' actions as being "over the top," marking his strongest condemnation so far.

Following this, Biden conveyed to Netanyahu that the military operations in Rafah must not continue without a viable plan in place to safeguard and assist civilians. A phone call between the two leaders revealed this stance. Additionally, the US put forth a UN resolution advocating for a "temporary ceasefire," while refraining from endorsing other nations' appeals for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The war in Gaza has not only displaced the majority of its 2.2 million people but has also severely reduced access to water, electricity, and food, while also blocking vital life-saving care. The hospitals in the enclave have been turned into battlegrounds, with many facilities now non-operational.

According to the UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office, OCHA, a report on Tuesday revealed that over 576,000 individuals in Gaza are currently experiencing "catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation," placing them just one step away from famine.

DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA - FEBRUARY 27: Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, Gaza are facing food shortages and long wait times as they line up for assistance from charity organizations. The ongoing Israeli attacks have made it difficult for them to access food, forcing many to rely on external aid for their basic needs.

Ashraf Amra/Anadolu/Getty Images

Related article

US officials are considering the possibility of conducting airdrops of aid into Gaza. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that nearly all of the 2.2 million residents in Gaza are in need of food assistance. Shockingly, one out of every six children under the age of two is suffering from severe malnutrition.

"Gaza is currently experiencing the most severe case of child malnutrition globally," stated Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of WFP, during his address to the UN Security Council.

Simultaneously, a vast tent community has emerged near Rafah, as an increasing number of displaced Palestinians journey to the city - their final refuge north of the closed border with Egypt.

In recent weeks, there have been fluctuating hopes for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, with high-stakes diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure a pause in the fighting.

CNN reported on Monday that Hamas had adjusted some crucial demands in the negotiations for a hostage deal and temporary halt to the fighting in Gaza. This move came after Israeli accusations that Hamas' stance was deemed as "delusional," according to two sources familiar with the discussions.

Biden expressed his hope for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict by "next Monday," noting that while a deal was nearing completion, it was not finalized yet.

Despite Biden's optimism, officials from Israel, Hamas, and Qatar have tempered expectations, citing remaining differences as negotiations continue towards reaching an agreement.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

CNN’s Lauren Izso, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Catherine Nicholls, Pauline Lockwood and Alex Marquardt contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The article paints a grim picture of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the staggering loss of life and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The international community must act swiftly to end this senseless violence and prevent further suffering.

The fact that children and women constitute such a high percentage of the casualties is particularly heartbreaking. All parties involved must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that aid reaches those in need. The United States, as Israel's primary ally, has a particular responsibility to use its influence to push for a just and lasting resolution to this conflict.