As the International Court of Justice (ICJ) deliberates on Israel’s humanitarian obligations in the occupied Palestinian territory, a staggering number of families in Gaza have been completely wiped out, according to the Government Media Office in Gaza. The office reports that over 2,180 families have been erased from existence, with all members killed in the ongoing conflict.
Grim Statistics
The grim statistics highlight the devastating human cost of the conflict. More than 65% of the 52,243 people killed by Israel were women, children, and the elderly, with over 18,000 children and over 12,400 women among the dead. These figures underscore the immense suffering endured by civilians caught in the crossfire.
ICJ Hearings and Humanitarian Crisis
Meanwhile, the ICJ has commenced hearings focusing on Israel’s actions. A Palestinian envoy accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid, a charge that Israel has vehemently denied. The hearings take place against the backdrop of a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by an ongoing blockade. The UN warns that a full-scale famine is imminent as Israel has sealed off the territory, preventing imports, including essential food and medicine, for nearly 60 days, causing critical shortages.
Attacks and Casualties
On the ground, Israeli forces have continued attacks across the Gaza Strip, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties. At least 23 Palestinians were killed in attacks since last night (April 27-28), including ten in the north of Gaza Strip and seven northwest of Gaza City. A girl and an infant also died from injuries sustained in an attack on a tent near Khan Younis. Shelling of a home in the Maghazi refugee camp wounded several Palestinians. These attacks are part of a renewed offensive launched by Israel on March 18, 2025, after a ceasefire ended, further compounding the suffering of Gaza’s population.
West Bank Tensions
The situation in the West Bank remains tense, with Israeli forces conducting raids and arresting Palestinians in towns near Ramallah and Nablus. These actions contribute to the overall instability and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
International Scrutiny
The international community is closely watching the ICJ hearings, as their outcome could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The world is grappling with the immense scale of loss and suffering, particularly the obliteration of entire families, as the aid blockade further tightens its grip on the besieged territory.