In the midst of escalating conflict, the residents of Gaza have commenced fasting for the holy month of Ramadan from March 11, confronting severe hunger and a growing humanitarian crisis. Despite efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to initiate a cease-fire—including the potential release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and delivery of substantial humanitarian aid—such attempts faltered last week.
The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with Gaza’s Health Ministry revealing that Israeli air strikes have led to the loss of 67 lives within the latest 24-hour window, propelling the Palestinian death toll to an excess of 31,112 since hostilities commenced. The death count includes a large proportion of women and children, but does not distinguish between non-combatants and fighters. The conflict was ignited when Hamas-led forces infiltrated southern Israel on October 7, culminating in approximately 1,200 fatalities—primarily civilians—and the abduction of nearly 250 people. As of now, approximately 100 hostages are estimated to still be under Hamas’ control.
The war has ravaged the region, dislocating nearly 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people and driving countless individuals to the verge of starvation. Amid these conditions, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has advocated for a new, extended cease-fire and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza. While Germany maintains its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, it simultaneously emphasizes the necessity for improved aid delivery and progress towards a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has aligned with this call for peace, urging for a cease-fire in observance of Ramadan. Guterres spotlights the ongoing conflict’s severe impact on civilians in Gaza and cautions about the potential repercussions of an attack on Rafah—a city where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge. As he appeals for the scaling up of humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, the Secretary-General accentuates the international community’s responsibility to act and prevent further loss of life.