Unraveling the Gaza Crisis: Unleashing the Untold Truth Behind the Intense Bombardment

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened on Thursday as Israeli jets continued to bombard the densely populated area in response to brutal terror attacks by Hamas. Meanwhile, the Israeli government established an emergency war cabinet and directed hospitals to make preparations for the anticipated escalation of violence. This week, the long-standing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians reached unprecedented levels following Israel's most severe attack by Palestinian militants since its establishment 75 years ago.

Israel has increased its offensive in Gaza after an attack by Hamas on October 7. During the assault, armed militants crossed the heavily-fortified border into Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals and injuries to numerous others. The attackers also took approximately 150 hostages as they rampaged through farms and communities.

The international community has expressed profound disgust at the horrific acts committed, leading to the Israeli government's determination to eradicate Hamas. Despite ongoing rocket attacks on Israeli towns for the past five days, Israel remains resolute in its mission.

Buildings destroyed by Israeli air strikes in the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in Gaza City.

Yahya Hassouna/AFP/Getty Images

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 1,100 individuals, including numerous women and children, have lost their lives in Gaza. The relentless Israeli air strikes have inflicted severe injuries upon thousands of others, leaving the densely populated area in ruins and trapping its inhabitants.

Israel has imposed a comprehensive blockade on the territory, which is home to two million individuals, effectively cutting off the supply of electricity, food, water, and fuel. The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated on Thursday that over 330,000 people in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes.

The Gaza power station ceased operations on Wednesday due to fuel depletion, according to Galal Ismail, the head of the Gaza power authority, as reported by CNN.

Anticipating a dire situation, the Palestinian Health Ministry cautioned that hospitals will exhaust their fuel supply by Thursday, resulting in an alarming state of affairs.

Families of individuals who have been reported missing since the unexpected assault carried out by Hamas fighters near the Gaza border in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, are gathered for a press briefing on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Maya Alleruzzo/AP

Behind the effort to rescue American hostages from one of the most dangerous places on earth

Scenes of tragedy and heartbreak are portrayed in the video and photo footage captured in the besieged enclave.

A resident from the northern neighborhood of Al-Karama emotionally expresses, "There are scattered body parts everywhere, and we are still unable to locate a number of individuals. We persistently search for our brothers and children, feeling as though we are trapped in a never-ending nightmare."

Video Ad Feedback

Video shows people trying to save themselves inside of bomb shelter in Israel during the Hamas attack

03:32

- Source:

CNN

Possible escalations

The IDF announced on Thursday that it was conducting extensive airstrikes on Hamas terrorist targets in the Gaza strip, amid increasing speculation of a potential ground incursion. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus stated on Wednesday that infantry, armored soldiers, artillery corps, and numerous reserve soldiers, totaling 300,000 across various brigades, had been deployed.

A mourner reacts while burying a child from who was killed in Israeli strikes in Khan Younis, Gaza, on October 11, 2023.

Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

"They are now close to the Gaza Strip, getting ready to execute the mission that they have been give," he added.

Israel's government is making preparations to ensure its hospitals and healthcare system are ready for any potential escalation in the security situation, according to the health ministry. Additionally, the Hamas attack has brought about a rare moment of political unity in Israel, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz announced the formation of an emergency government and war management cabinet on Wednesday, putting aside their previous domestic disagreements.

Gantz, a former defense minister, will join Netanyahu and the current defense minister Yoav Gallant in a cabinet dedicated to wartime efforts.

"In life, there are periods of war and periods of peace. At this moment, we find ourselves in a time of war," remarked Gantz during a televised speech.

Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister Benny Gantz attends a cabinet meeting of the new government at Chagall State Hall in Jerusalem on May 24, 2020.

Abir Sultan/AFP/Getty Images

Horror stories

Every day, Israelis are terrified by the scale and type of attacks carried out by Hamas. Each day, there are more and more stories of the horrific acts committed, as well as incredible accounts of courage and survival in the midst of the chaos. Tom Hand, a Beeri resident and kibbutz member, tragically discovered that his 8-year-old daughter Emily was one of the victims of the Hamas gunmen, who left a devastating toll of at least 120 dead.

"I was aware that she wasn't by herself, she wasn't in Gaza, and she wasn't confined in a dimly lit room crowded with unknown numbers of people, enduring constant fear and being pushed around... apprehensive every single day, perhaps for countless years ahead. Therefore, death was seen as a mercy," he confided in CNN, his voice trembling, tears cascading down his exhausted, pale countenance.

Video Ad Feedback

Father describes moment he learned daughter was killed

03:49

- Source:

CNN

The fact that Hamas has taken an unprecedented number of hostages now complicates Israels response.

On Wednesday, International IDF spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, told CNN that Israeli authorities believe the hostages are being held underground.

Members of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, gather in the town of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip on January 31, 2017. They are attending a memorial service for Mohamed Zouari, a Tunisian engineer and drone expert who was killed in December 2016 outside his home in Tunisia. Hamas has accused the Jewish state of being responsible for Zouari's murder, as he was described as a prominent figure within the Islamist movement, specializing in drone development. (Photo credit: Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images)

Hamas acquires its weapons through a combination of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and guidance from an influential overseas mentor. According to the expert, it is logical to assume that these weapons are stored in underground locations. Additionally, considering Hamas's premeditated attack and hostage-taking, it is reasonable to assume that they strategically planned ahead to secure hiding spots for the hostages and thwart Israeli intelligence and rescue efforts.

Despite Israel's past encounters with hostage situations, they have never faced anything of this magnitude, according to his statement. Izzat al-Risheq, a prominent Hamas representative, mentioned to CNN on Wednesday that it is presently premature to consider a prisoner exchange involving Israeli hostages.

From Doha, Qatar, al-Risheq stated that both Arab and non-Arab states reached out to Hamas leadership abroad, inquiring about the potential for an exchange between Israeli captives and Hamas prisoners. However, al-Risheq emphasized that discussions on this matter cannot be entertained yet as Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza and indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians persists.

Everything started falling on us

That bombardment has taken an increasing toll on Gaza.

In the Gaza Strip, there are over two million Palestinians, with more than a million of them being children. Since 2007, Israel has enforced a land, sea, and air blockade on this area. Consequently, the Gaza Strip has been isolated from the world for nearly 17 years. This blockade was implemented when Hamas took control, leading Israel and Egypt to impose restrictions on land, air, and sea access, which have remained in place until now.

A bullet-shuttered window of the entrance to a kindergarten in Kibbutz Be'eri on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.

The UNRWA is urgently seeking $104 million in order to provide humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the recent escalation of violence in Gaza.

"This unfolding event is already a humanitarian tragedy like no other," stated UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. "In times of conflict, the application of rules remains crucial, and this situation is no different. The immediate provision of aid to civilians who have no means of escape is essential, including the provision of water, food, and medicine."

Expressing deep concern, Najla Shawa, an Oxfam worker in Gaza, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the current situation. "We are witnessing the complete devastation of entire regions, not just isolated areas. These regions are being completely wiped out and destroyed."

On 10/08/2023 in Gaza, Palestine, Palestinian children are seen walking past debris in the courtyard of a school operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA). This is in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes that targeted Gaza City on October 8, 2023. The Israeli army claimed to have struck over 500 locations in the Gaza Strip during overnight attacks, resulting in a death toll exceeding 1,100 in their conflict with Palestinian militants. (Photo by Mohamed Zaanoun / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by MOHAMED ZAANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Mohamed Zaanoun/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

UN staffers killed in Gaza as the organization calls for emergency funding

Hospitals are currently overwhelmed with a high number of injured patients, including many children.

"I was asleep when suddenly everything came crashing down on us," recounted a young girl, her face covered in blood, while waiting at a hospital, as reported by CNN.

"Someone came and helped me out, they took me straight to the hospital. But I dont know what happened to all of my sisters."