The Head of the Next Century Foundation in Gaza, Adel Zaanoon, told us today:

Yes habibi, we are fine, still alive, but the situation is very very difficult. They destroyed, early morning dozens of buildings, big buildings and towers in Tel al-Hawa. Big damage in Al Khuds Hospital in Tel al-Hawa. They destroyed the hangar for the United Nations, UNRWA, also in Tel al-Hawa. The situation was a catastrophe early morning, a catastrophe, a real catastrophe.

Adel Zanoun: Life and death are equal in Gaza

A television interview (Al Sharq Channel) with Adel Al Zanoun about death and life in Gaza, with Mohahamad Daraghma and Qasim:

Qasim: Are you afraid?

Adel: It is possible this time. Usually, I am a very calm person, I never get nervous, and I always joke all the time day and night, as you know me and others know me. My whole life is fun. But I did not feel fear, the fear that means death at every moment, except this time (during Israel’s bombing of Gaza) and I have reached a stage where death and life became equal. It is over.

Gaza: A Living Hell for the Children of Palestine

Israel’s offensive has unleashed a storm of fire and fury on Gaza, leaving behind a trail of devastation and death. Israel’s airstrikes have targeted hundreds of sites across the besieged enclave, including Hamas’ military facilities, government buildings, media offices, and residential areas. According to the Gazan government, almost 3,000 people have been killed, most of them civilians, and more than 10,000 have been injured. Thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged, displacing more than a million people, according to the United Nations. Gaza’s infrastructure and services have also been severely affected, with a total power outage, water shortages, and sewage overflows.

The current war began on October 7, when Hamas launched a wave of terror attacks across Israel, killing 1,300 people and injuring thousands more. As the war rages on and the civilian population suffers, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates.

Shattered Infrastructure and Civilians in Gaza

Since the start of the offensive on October 9, Israel’s military claims that it has struck over 2,000 sites belonging to Hamas and other armed groups, including rocket launchers, tunnels, command centres, weapons depots, and training camps. Israel’s forces have used precision-guided bombs, artillery shells, tank rounds, and drones in their attacks.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet again vowed to continue the operation until Hamas is “neutralised” and its “terror infrastructure” is destroyed. Israel aims to restore its deterrence and prevent Hamas from launching further rockets or infiltrating its territory.

The effects of Israel’s offensive on Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian population have been catastrophic, as entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble. Gaza’s infrastructure and services have been severely damaged or destroyed, including buildings, roads, power lines, water supply, health facilities, schools, and media outlets. Gaza’s population (estimated as at least 2.2 million) is facing severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and no electricity.

Coping with a Dire Humanitarian Situation

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), even before the war began, more than 1.4 million people in Gaza were food insecure and relied on food assistance. Health facilities are overwhelmed by the influx of injured patients and lack essential drugs and medical supplies.

Even before the war, Gaza was in huge difficulties because of the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, which has been in place since 2007 and restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza.

Responding to the War and Seeking a Peaceful Solution

The United Nations has condemned the violence and urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The UN Secretary-General has stressed the need for a political solution to address the root causes of the conflict and achieve a two-state solution.

Egypt and Qatar have been trying to persuade Israel and Hamas to agree on a ceasefire, but they face difficulties in bridging the gaps between their demands and expectations. Israel wants Hamas to stop firing rockets and release the hostages it took during its attack on October 7. Hamas wants Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and end its occupation of the West Bank. Both sides also want guarantees that the other side will abide by any ceasefire terms.

The war in Gaza could end in a short-term truce, a long-term agreement, or could trigger continued escalation. A short-term truce would stop the hostilities temporarily, but it would not resolve the underlying issues of the conflict. A long-term agreement could address the root causes of the conflict and achieve a comprehensive settlement between Israel and Hamas, but it would require concessions and guarantees from both sides. The more likely prospect as things stand is continued escalation, with more casualties and destruction. The consequent regional and global implications reduce chances for a peaceful resolution in the foreseeable future.