200 days into Israel
Children play at a camp in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, April 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
More than a million residents in the Gaza Strip have lost their homes and 75 percent of the population in the Palestinian coastal enclave have been displaced since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict 200 days ago, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday.
"Destruction is everywhere in Gaza. Damage to critical infrastructure is immense," UNRWA wrote in a post on social media platform X.
In a recorded speech marking the 200th day of the conflict, Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, accused Israel of impeding mediation efforts for a ceasefire.
"Israel is trying to escape from all of its promises in negotiations and wants to buy more time," he said, adding that there will be no compromise on the basic rights of the Palestinian people. These include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the lifting of the blockade, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.
Israeli media reported on Monday that preparations were underway to expand the humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip ahead of a possible Israeli attack on the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah.
Hebrew Public Radio said that the new humanitarian zone will extend from the southern town of Al-Mawasi along the coastal strip to the outskirts of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip and will be able to accommodate about one million displaced people.
According to the report, five field hospitals have been established in the area, supplementing the existing hospitals in operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Sunday to intensify military and political pressure on Hamas in the coming days.
Netanyahu repeatedly threatened to launch an attack on Rafah, as it is the last "stronghold" of Hamas.
Rafah is the last refuge for more than 1.4 million Palestinians who were displaced from the northern and central parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.
Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.
As of Tuesday, a total of 34,183 Palestinians have been killed and 77,143 others injured in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli attacks, according to figures published by the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Related articles
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers are undefeated this season2024-05-21HK's West Kowloon arts hub to run out of funds in 2025: CEO
Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District will use up its financial reserves next year, the h2024-05-21Governor, Congress members to meet over support for rebuilding bridge
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland —Maryland Governor Wes Moore said he plans to meet with members of Congress this2024-05-21Israeli military reduces troops in southern Gaza, spokesperson says
Israeli troops near the southern city of Ashkelon shortly after the 7 October attack. Photo: GIL COH2024-05-21Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said Friday his campaign has accepted an invitation from Fox News for h2024-05-21Colorado reporter's expulsion from Republican gathering causes uproar
DENVER, COLORADO —Politicians and news outlets in Colorado expressed anger over the expulsion from a2024-05-21
atest comment