Deepening Crisis in Gaza Strip as War with Israel Enters Week 11, Exacerbated by Communication Blackout and Rising Hunger

The communications blackout in the Gaza Strip was caused by damage to telecommunications lines, primarily in the southern region, as a result of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. This damage resulted in severed telephone and internet connections, significantly hindering aid deliveries and rescue efforts.

The conflict in Gaza has severely impacted food security, with the World Food Program reporting a surge in the number of displaced households experiencing severe levels of hunger. This increase is attributed to the limited entry of aid and the disruption of distribution due to the fighting, especially in northern Gaza where aid has been unable to enter.

The Israeli-Hamas war has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties. According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, over 18,700 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more missing. The ministry’s reports do not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, and women and minors have consistently represented a significant portion of the casualties.

The United States, as Israel’s closest ally, has expressed concern over the high civilian casualties and Israel’s plans for the future of Gaza. Despite this, the U.S. continues to provide Israel with weapons and diplomatic support. U.S. officials have also been involved in discussions with Israeli leaders about a potential timetable for de-escalating the conflict.

Aid delivery in the Gaza Strip has been severely hampered due to the ongoing conflict. With only a limited amount of aid able to enter and distribution disrupted by fighting, the situation has led to a significant increase in hunger levels among displaced households. The U.S. has urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, and the Israeli government has agreed to open a second entry point to expedite deliveries.