Israel-Hamas War: 'Gaza Is Running Out Of Water’, WHO Says As Hospitals On Brink Of ‘Collapse’ — Updates

Israel-Hamas War: The World Health Organization stated that Gaza is running out of water while Hospitals are on the brink of collapse due to the impending exhaustion of generator fuel

Palestinians injured during Israeli raids in the southern Gaza Strip arrive on October 16, 2023 in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Gazans are evacuating to the south following warnings to do so from the Israeli government. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

The Gaza Strip faces an escalating humanitarian crisis as water, power, and medical supplies approach exhaustion, and dwindling food provisions strain hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The crisis unfolds amidst relentless Israeli airstrikes, a response to last week's violent attacks initiated by Hamas. Hospitals in Gaza are on the brink of collapse due to the impending exhaustion of generator fuel, with just 24 hours remaining, according to the United Nations.

Calling for "unobstructed access for humanitarian aid", the World Health Organization stated that "Gaza is running out of water. With limited water: Public health crisis imminent, compounding desperate situation for civilians. Lives of 3500+ inpatients in 35 hospitals at immediate risk."

Israel's closure of essential supply routes more than a week ago has placed the spotlight on the Rafah crossing, where aid trucks have been waiting for days to gain access, news agency Associated Press reported. The Rafah crossing, the sole connection between Gaza and Egypt, was forced to shut down due to Israeli airstrikes.

• Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated that Israel has not yet made a decision on granting access via the Rafah crossing.
  
  
• UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) Chief Philippe Lazzarini pleaded for an end to the siege, declaring that "Gaza is running out of water, and Gaza is running out of life", AP reported. 
  
  Unknown numbers remain in northern Gaza, either unable or unwilling to leave, despite evacuation orders. Approximately 170,000 people were sheltering at UNRWA schools in the north when the evacuation order was issued.
  
  
• Four hospitals in northern Gaza have ceased operations, while 21 others have been instructed by Israel to evacuate. Doctors have refused, arguing that it would result in the death of critically ill patients and newborns relying on ventilators, as per AP's report. 
  
  The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders reported a shortage of painkillers and medical personnel treating the wounded in the north, with wounded individuals screaming in pain, the report mentioned.
  
  
• Israel's top domestic security official, Shin Bet Chief Ronan Bar, took responsibility for the recent Hamas attacks that claimed over 1,400 lives. Bar acknowledged the failure to provide sufficient warning to thwart the attacks, CNN reported.
  
  In his first statement since the October 7 attack, Shin Bet chief Ronan Bar wrote in a statement, "Despite a series of actions we carried out, we weren’t able to create a sufficient warning that would allow the attack to be thwarted." "The responsibility is on me," Bar said, as per CNN.
  
  
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, expressing unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism. He also discussed the coordination with the UN and regional partners to facilitate humanitarian aid and the safe release of hostages held by Hamas.
  
  
• Ahmed Abdul-Hadi, the representative of Hamas in Lebanon, clarified that the October 7 attack in southern Israel was a decision made by Hamas leadership and not directed by any external party. He warned of potential interventions by allied groups in the event of a ground invasion of Gaza.
  
  The war in Gaza is “a Palestinian battle and the decision to enter it was a Palestinian decision” made by Hamas and its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al Qassam Brigades, “together with the Palestinian resistance factions,” he told AP.
  
  
• The Israeli government ordered the evacuation of 28 villages in northern Israel within two kilometers of the Lebanese border. The plan was approved by Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, and will be implemented by local authorities and the Ministry of Interior, CNN reported.
  
  
• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to target those responsible for the recent violence through numerous airstrikes, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated.
  
  News agency ANI quoted Israeli PMO Spokesperson Tal Heinrich as saying, "The IDF continues to target those responsible for that massacre. Over the last few hours, the Israel Defence Forces carried out dozens of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The targets included Hamas headquarters, mortar launching positions, and a number of terrorists at a military compound. The IDF also struck the command centre of Ali Qadhi, a commander in the Hamas commando forces who was killed in an Israeli strike two days ago."
  
  "As the IDF Chief of Staff told our frontline troops, 'attack them everywhere, every commander, every operative'... Finally, Israel appreciates the unconditional and unwavering support of its allies. Prime Minister Netanyahu invited US President Joe Biden to Israel, and we hope to host the president soon. We are truly grateful for the support of the united front against the commons", she added.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains a deeply concerning humanitarian crisis, with lives at stake and resources dwindling. International efforts continue to seek a peaceful resolution and provide much-needed assistance to the affected population.

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