The Israel-Hamas war has now entered its 100th day, marking a grim milestone amid continued civilian casualties in Gaza and the prolonged captivity of dozens of hostages. The conflict, initiated by unprecedented attacks on Israel, has led to a humanitarian catastrophe for the 2.4 million people in Hamas-ruled Gaza, leaving much of the coastal strip in ruins, according to warnings from the United Nations and aid groups.
In Gaza, approximately 85 percent of the population has been displaced, crowding into shelters and facing severe challenges in accessing essential resources like food, water, fuel, and medical care. Mohammad Kahil, displaced to Rafah in southern Gaza, described the dire situation, stating, “There’s no food, no water, no heating. We are dying from the cold.”
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, expressed concern about the rapid spread of diseases, emphasizing the urgent risk of famine.
The conflict has also triggered violence involving Iran-aligned groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. Despite efforts to prevent a wider conflagration, fears have increased following US and British strikes on numerous Yemeni rebel targets on Friday. The Huthis in Yemen have vowed additional attacks in solidarity with Gaza against what they perceive as Israeli-linked Red Sea shipping.
On Sunday, the Hamas government media office reported that “more than 100 people were martyred in the attacks last night until 6:00 am in all areas of the Gaza Strip.” Among those killed was Yazan al-Zwaidi, a video-journalist for Cairo-based Al Ghad television, reportedly “murdered by Israeli fire.”
