Background on Key Figures and Context
The recent tragic events in Gaza have left a Palestinian family grieving and fueled anger towards both Israel and Hamas. The Bakr family, consisting of five members, lost their lives in an Israeli attack on the Al Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.
Umm Khalel, a survivor of the attack, expressed her frustration and sorrow: “What does the world want from us? What does Netanyahu want? What does Hamas want?” This sentiment echoes the despair felt by Salwa Subhi Bakr, a displaced family member who lamented, “Where are we to go? Find us a solution.”
Israeli Military Offensive and Displacement
Since late last month, Israel has intensified its aerial and ground offensive in Gaza. The Israeli military has repeatedly ordered Palestinians to evacuate to the south, resulting in approximately 700,000 people fleeing their homes.
The Gaza Strip, home to over two million people, has seen widespread displacement as a result of the ongoing conflict. According to the Israeli military, seven people were killed in an Israeli bombing in Al Shati camp, raising the death toll in Gaza to 82 on Saturday. Of these, 38 lost their lives in Gaza City.
Impact on Gazan Civilians
Despite the ongoing military operations, Israel continues to target other parts of the Gaza Strip. The United Nations considers the casualty figures provided by both the Gaza Strip’s civil defense organization (under Hamas control) and the Israeli military to be reliable, despite challenges in independently verifying them.
Photographs from AFP show the aftermath of an attack in the Al Shati refugee camp, with bodies wrapped in white shrouds and some stained with blood. The scene underscores the devastating consequences of the conflict on Gazan civilians.
Political Rhetoric and Escalation
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas. These statements come amid international condemnation of Israel’s intensified military campaign.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants, led by Hamas, attacked Israel. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the conflict? The conflict primarily involves Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip.
- What sparked the conflict? The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants led by Hamas attacked Israel.
- How many people have been displaced? Approximately 700,000 people have fled their homes in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
- What is the death toll? As of Saturday, 82 people have been killed in Gaza, with 38 of those fatalities occurring in Gaza City.
- What are the international reactions? There is widespread international condemnation of Israel’s intensified military campaign against Hamas.
