With continual war in Gaza, since October 7, 2023, those living in the strip maintain a low quality of life, consisting of famine, lack of water and inadequate humanitarian aid.
According to the Red Cross, conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, and more people are suffering than in previous counts.
“It has been 23 months since the attacks in Israel and the escalation of a conflict which has led to intolerable suffering in Gaza and the wider region,” the Red Cross said.
According to PBS, the death rate has been high for the entirety of the war.
“The [health] ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, said the death toll has climbed to 60,034, with another 145,870 people wounded since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack,” PBS said.
According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), there are no safe areas left in the Gaza Strip, and the crisis is found everywhere.
“With no place safe across the whole of Gaza, Palestinians are being pushed to the edge of survival, struggling to access food, clean water, and life-saving medical services,” IRC said.
Buildings that were once considered safe spaces, “including homes, hospitals, schools, shelters, religious sites and essential services like bakeries,” are no longer standing after “Israeli airstrikes [and] bombing,” IRC said.
According to IRC, despite many injuries and needs every day, there are few, barely functioning, hospitals running.
“Only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are even partially functional, and they’re understaffed, lacking proper medical supplies and overwhelmed with patients,” IRC said.
According to UN (United Nations) Women director Sofia Calltorp, a major concern of the crisis currently is the safety of women and children.
“In Gaza, women and girls are facing the impossible choice of starving to death at their shelters or venturing out in search of food and water at extreme risk of being killed,” Calltorp said.
According to the UN World Food Programme director of emergencies, Ross Smith, while many programs and countries are attempting to support those in need, there is still a major demand for resources that is struggling to be met.
“Air drops are also ‘far too expensive and inefficient’, carrying ‘extreme risks’ for populations living in overcrowded conditions, amid reports of injuries to at least 11 Gazans on Sunday,” Smith said.
According to the Red Cross, there is more that could be done to help.
“After a months-long pause in aid, a trickle is now entering Gaza. But people need so much more,” the Red Cross said.
According to the UN, access has also been a problem for aid workers, as the Israeli military occupies much territory, making entry difficult.
“UN aid agencies have insisted on the need for full access across Gaza to reach vulnerable populations, over and above the Israeli military’s announcement of week-long humanitarian pauses from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” the UN said.