The chief of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated that the situation of Gaza in the Gaza Strip as “hell on earth,” as the Israeli military continues to conduct its assault on the population-rich territory.
At a press conference held in Geneva, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric expressed her deep concern about the worsening conditions in Gaza and cited the demise of the medical system, the critical shortage of basic needs, as well as the unending suffering of civilians who are caught in the middle of.
“What we’re witnessing at present in Gaza is a human catastrophe taking place in real-time. Families are living in poverty without electricity, clean water or access to emergency medical treatment. This is not merely an issue of humanitarian concern, it is hell on earth.” Spoljaric claimed.
The announcement comes amid increased Israeli ground and air strikes in the wake of months of increasing tensions with Hamas. The Israeli military claims that its operation is designed to destroy militant infrastructure, however aid groups warn that the civilian casualties are rising rapidly.
Health officials from Gaza hundreds of civilians have been injured or killed in the last few days, and numerous others being forced to leave their homes. The hospitals are said to be overcrowded, and the humanitarian corridors are a bit sporadic which makes it difficult to deliver aid.
The Red Cross has called for immediate and uninterrupted access to affected areas stressing the necessity of a ceasefire in order so that life-saving aid can be delivered to those in need.
The international response has grown more critical and an increasing number of United Nations and several global non-governmental organizations calling on both sides to put a premium on the protection of civilians and adhere to the law of international humanitarian assistance.
Despite increasing pressure, efforts to negotiate a truce haven’t yet resulted in significant gains. As the war continues the human cost in Gaza remains unabated, with no sign of abating, leaving millions in a crisis that has no end in sight.