By Harriet Tornguvan
For 79 days, the Israeli military's operations in Gaza have inflicted severe consequences on the Palestinian population. Israeli forces, as the occupying power, control all aspects of governance and law enforcement, often leaving Palestinians labeled as criminals.
The Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Palestine Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh ,has consistently highlighted the inhumane treatment of Palestinians. Addressing the media in Abuja, he detailed the ongoing crisis and maltreatment of the Palestinian people.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. is set to resume shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel, ending a two-month suspension previously imposed by the Biden administration to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza.
As of July 9, the conflict has resulted in over 38,193 Palestinian deaths and 87,903 injuries. There have been 9,510 detentions since October 7, including 325 women and 660 children. Additionally, 7,170 individuals are under administrative detention, with these figures excluding Gazan detainees subjected to enforced disappearance in military camps.
Gaza's civilians and humanitarian workers face constant danger. To date, 274 aid workers and volunteers have been killed, some while on duty and others at home with their families.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe: 96% of the population faces acute food insecurity, with nearly half a million people in catastrophic conditions. At least 557,000 women are experiencing severe food insecurity, often prioritizing feeding others and struggling more than men to access food.
Israel's tactics include targeting water sources and desalination plants, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The destruction of nine out of ten main water tanks and half of the water networks has drastically reduced water availability, leaving residents with just 3 to 15 liters per day. Additionally, all six sewage treatment plants have failed, causing 130,000 cubic meters of sewage to be discharged daily onto roads and between temporary shelters.
The media has also been severely impacted, with 152 journalists killed and 100 arrested, 52 of whom remain detained. The bombardment has resulted in the deaths of many journalists' family members and the closure of 86 media institutions across Palestinian territories.
Despite the massive destruction, a lack of medical supplies, and a shortage of healthcare professionals, Israel's siege on Gaza continues. The closure of the only crossing linking Gaza to the outside world has trapped over 12,000 wounded and 14,000 sick individuals, including 10,000 with cancer and other serious diseases, putting their lives at risk.
The situation has precipitated a health crisis among displaced individuals in Gaza's plastic shelter camps, with scabies spreading rapidly due to waste accumulation and insufficient hygiene supplies.
The international community must recognize that merely counting Palestinian casualties does not ensure their safety. Ignoring and violating international law has far-reaching consequences for everyone involved.
