Gaza War Enters Critical Phase as International Pressure Fails to Deter Israel

Strategic Insights -

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has entered a critical phase, with international pressure failing to deter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from pursuing a total victory. The war, now almost 23 months old, has killed over 62,000 Palestinians and 1,590 health workers, with only 18 of Gaza's 36 hospitals still partially functional.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nasser Hospital attack on Monday, which killed five journalists and at least five medical workers, is just the latest reminder that this war is not like the previous ones in 2008, 2012, and 2014.
  • International pressure, including condemnation from world leaders, has not restrained Israel from pursuing a total victory.
  • The Israeli military has begun calling up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of a planned assault on Gaza City, with Netanyahu vowing to continue the war until Hamas is "totally destroyed."
  • The war has caused widespread destruction, with over 189 Palestinian journalists and media workers killed since its start.
  • The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has confirmed that famine is spreading in Gaza due to the nearly two-year-long siege imposed by Israel.

Statistics:

  • At least 62,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.
  • 1,590 health workers have been killed, with only 18 of Gaza's 36 hospitals still partially functional, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
  • 189 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
  • The Israeli military has begun calling up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of a planned assault on Gaza City.
  • The war has caused over $10 billion in damages to the Gaza Strip, according to previous estimates.

Sources:

  • Reuters news agency
  • Israeli Military
  • Committee to Protect Journalists
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
  • Gaza's Ministry of Health