Synopsis
On February 3, Hamas described the Gaza Strip as a 'disaster zone,' highlighting an escalating humanitarian crisis affecting over 2.4 million residents. The ongoing devastation and scarcity of resources have prompted urgent calls for international assistance.Key Takeaways
- Hamas declares Gaza a 'disaster zone'
- Over 61,709 fatalities in Gaza reported
- More than 2 million Palestinians displaced
- Economic losses exceed $50 billion
- Urgent need for international humanitarian aid
Gaza, Feb 3 (NationPress) Hamas has proclaimed the Gaza Strip a "disaster zone", cautioning about an extraordinary crisis endangering the lives of over 2.4 million residents as extensive destruction continues, leading to a depletion of essential resources.
In an official press release, the media office managed by Hamas reported that over 61,709 individuals in Gaza have lost their lives, with 47,487 confirmed fatalities in hospitals, while another 14,222 individuals are still unaccounted for under the rubble. The injury count has escalated to 111,588, the statement indicated.
The ongoing conflict has also displaced more than 2 million Palestinians, many of whom have been compelled to evacuate multiple times, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
The office highlighted that approximately 450,000 housing units have sustained damage due to the conflict, with 170,000 completely destroyed. This relentless war has severely impaired the healthcare system, leading to the shutdown of 34 hospitals and 80 healthcare facilities.
The economic toll has been estimated at over $50 billion, affecting various sectors including industry, commerce, agriculture, healthcare, education, and communications.
The statement indicated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deteriorating due to the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has caused alarming shortages of food, water, and medicine, endangering countless lives.
Hamas has called for the United Nations and other international organizations to urgently provide humanitarian assistance and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.
The office further accused Israel of perpetrating "systematic war crimes" with support from the United States, urging the global community to hold those accountable for these actions.
Previously, tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to their residences in Gaza City and the northern regions of the coastal enclave following 15 months of forced displacement.
Under a new agreement, Israel has allowed displaced residents to return to the northern Gaza Strip.
