Gaza’s Civil Defense agency has announced that 2,842 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli missiles during the recent 15-month conflict. This devastating number was shared at a press conference, where officials also reported heavy losses within their own ranks. Tragically, 99 of their staff members were killed and another 300 were injured while trying to help others. These losses significantly impact the agency’s ability to provide assistance during this difficult time.
Furthermore, the Israeli conflict has severely damaged the Civil Defense’s resources and facilities. According to the agency, 17 out of their 21 centers in Gaza were destroyed. Adding to the challenges, roughly 85% of their vehicles were either completely or partially destroyed. This extensive damage makes it very difficult for them to perform critical rescue and recovery missions in the area.
Adding to the devastation, over 10,000 bodies are still buried beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. This large number of victims makes the task of identification and recovery extremely difficult. The combination of destroyed infrastructure and the high number of casualties highlights the major challenges faced by the Gaza Civil Defense.
These factors greatly limit the Gaza Civil Defense’s ability to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. A representative from the agency stated, “The occupation destroyed 17 out of 21 Civil Defense centers in the Gaza Strip and completely and partially destroyed 85% of our vehicles.” This clear statement shows the immense impact of the conflict. The combined effects of the destroyed centers, vehicles, and the large number of people buried in rubble demonstrate the devastating consequences of this conflict on the region.