The Director-General of the Government Media Office in Gaza has released new data on the victims of the recent Israeli offensive, revealing that more than 400 casualties have been transferred to hospitals across the region. According to the report, 73% of those killed were civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
Mass Attacks on Residential Areas
According to the Palestinian news agency Sama, Ismail Thawabteh stated that since the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, Israeli forces have carried out numerous airstrikes on civilian homes in Gaza. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people, who have since been transported to hospitals.
Thawabteh further detailed the demographics of the victims, reporting that among the dead were 174 children, 89 women, 32 elderly individuals, and 109 men. He emphasized that these figures indicate a deliberate targeting of civilians, which he described as part of an ongoing campaign against the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Gaza’s Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse
In a related statement, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, Director-General of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, reported that Israeli forces have expanded their attacks to include homes, mosques, and shelters, resulting in a growing number of casualties.
By midday, the official death toll had risen to 412, with more than 600 people injured. The surge in casualties has placed immense strain on Gaza’s healthcare system, which has already been severely weakened by nearly 18 months of continuous Israeli bombardment.
Severe Shortages of Medical Supplies and Humanitarian Aid
Dr. Abu Salmiya warned that Israel’s ongoing blockade has led to a dire shortage of medical supplies and humanitarian aid. He noted that hospitals have been systematically targeted, medical personnel killed, and essential supplies blocked from entering Gaza.
“For the past 17 days, border crossings have remained completely closed, preventing the entry of any humanitarian aid or medicine,” he stated.
According to Abu Salmiya, hospitals are now facing extreme shortages of life-saving equipment, including essential medications, imaging devices, and oxygen production stations. He further reported that due to these shortages, many wounded individuals are dying in hospital corridors, as medical teams struggle to provide even basic care.
Blocking Medical Evacuations
The situation is further exacerbated by Israel’s refusal to allow medical evacuations through the Rafah border crossing. Abu Salmiya described this policy as a death sentence for thousands of injured civilians who could otherwise receive life-saving treatment abroad.
“If the current conditions persist, hundreds—if not thousands—of people who could have been saved will die,” he warned.
Calls for International Intervention
In his closing remarks, Abu Salmiya urged the international community to take immediate action to stop Israel’s ongoing assault, reopen border crossings, and allow the entry of medical supplies and humanitarian teams into Gaza.
The latest Israeli military offensive, reportedly conducted with U.S. approval, has left no area of Gaza untouched. Airstrikes have targeted residential buildings, schools, refugee centers, and shelters for displaced individuals.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the White House confirmed Israel consulted with the Trump administration prior to launching the operation.
From: yjc.ir