Gaza in ruins: Israeli attacks intensify, over 70 killed, infrastructure destroyed

Israel ratcheted up the scale of air, ground and naval strikes in the Gaza Strip on Friday morning. A minimum of 70 people have died in these strikes till date, as per reports. The toll is going up steadily with a majority of the injured reported to be critical. Israeli raids have struck residential houses, tent settlements and even neighborhood shops, leading to large-scale destruction. Hospitals are overflowing with injured people and lack of resources has made it difficult to provide treatment.

Bombing in various parts of Gaza

Bombardment has continued in different areas of Gaza since Thursday night.Several buildings were brought down to the ground by the attack in the Tafah area of Gaza City. Six individuals were killed in an attack on a barbershop in Khan Younis, while another attack in al-Mawasi area killed 12, including children. At least 35 individuals were killed on Thursday in attacks on Beit Lahia and al-Mawasi tent camps.

Gaza humanitarian crisis is worsening

A two-month Israel-Hamas ceasefire in March has been violated. Israel blames Hamas for failing to meet a deal for three hostages to be released, which has ramped up its military campaign. 80% of Gazans have been displaced and most people are being sheltered in temporary tents. At the same time, the Gaza humanitarian crisis is worsening. With the bombing and blockades, 95% of relief organizations have suspended their activities. There has been a severe shortage of basic commodities like flour, fuel and medicines, resulting in famine-like conditions.

Criticism of Israel's action

Israel's move is being condemned worldwide. The WHO and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy have called upon Israel to put an end to the attacks on health centers. The government of Gaza has classified the attacks as a violation of international norms. Israel maintains that it is attacking only Hamas targets, but locals claim that civilians are worst affected.