Hamas has announced the Gaza Strip is now a “disaster zone,” signaling a major crisis for its 2.4 million residents. The ongoing conflict has resulted in extensive destruction and a severe shortage of crucial supplies. According to a press release from the Hamas media office, the situation is dire and requires immediate attention.
The press office stated that over 61,709 people in Gaza have died due to the conflict. This includes 47,487 deaths confirmed in hospitals, while 14,222 individuals are still missing beneath the rubble. Furthermore, more than 111,000 people have sustained injuries, and over 2 million Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes. These numbers demonstrate the widespread devastation and the massive scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding. The immense destruction has made rescue operations very challenging and difficult.
Moreover, hospitals are struggling to manage the overwhelming number of casualties. Medical resources are severely depleted and reaching those in need is a huge problem. The Hamas media office stressed that the reported figures only reflect part of the destruction, as many areas remain unreachable due to the ongoing fighting. The intense conflict has also made it nearly impossible to deliver humanitarian aid, further depriving the population of essential resources such as clean water and food.
Declaring Gaza a “disaster zone” emphasizes the critical need for global aid. The local infrastructure is overwhelmed and cannot cope with the current scale of the disaster. The media office stated that Gaza has become a disaster zone because of this extreme destruction, demonstrating the severity of the circumstances. Many displaced people are now living in temporary shelters, exposed to harsh conditions and lacking basic necessities. This humanitarian crisis requires an immediate and collaborative effort to prevent more suffering.
The long-term consequences of this crisis could be very significant, with potential long-lasting effects on the entire region. There is a real possibility of long-term displacement, widespread mental health issues, and the breakdown of social structures. The international community now has the huge task of addressing both the immediate humanitarian needs of people in Gaza and also planning for long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. The current situation has already had a major impact on the lives of ordinary residents.