Since the commencement of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October last year, Gaza’s health ministry in the besieged enclave reported that over 30,000 individuals have lost their lives as of Thursday. Israel claims to have eliminated around 10,000 Hamas fighters during this ongoing war.

This grim statistic reveals a harrowing reality: for every Hamas combatant slain, two civilians perish. The majority of these casualties consist of Palestinian women, children, and the elderly, individuals unable to evade airstrikes, tanks, and incursions by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Tragically, the toll is poised to escalate further due to starvation and disease. How many more must perish before Netanyahu deems it sufficient? The unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza will only worsen until hostilities cease.

Despite mounting international pressure urging Israel to halt the conflict, the United States, its principal ally and primary military aid provider, continues to support Israel’s campaign in Gaza.

Earlier this month, the US proposed a “temporary ceasefire” at the United Nations but vetoed calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

With Israel gearing up to deploy ground forces into Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, home to over 1 million people with no escape, expectations are grim, and the death toll is anticipated to soar.