By Edward Makuzva
The echoes of conflict reverberate across the land, shattering any illusion of peace in a region long marked by strife.
The war between Israel and Gaza has escalated into a full-blown crisis, drawing both nations into a vortex of destruction and despair.
Cities that once bustled with life now stand on the edge, their streets emptied by air raid sirens and shadowed by the constant threat of violence. Families huddle in shelters, torn apart by the devastating toll of war, while leaders on both sides issue resolute declarations, further entrenching a conflict that seems without end.
Amid the chaos, the cost of this unyielding battle grows heavier. Lives are lost, communities are displaced, and the hope for peace feels more distant than ever. Yet, even in the darkest corners, whispers of resilience and calls for reconciliation emerge, offering a glimmer of humanity amid the storm. The war rages on, testing the limits of a nation’s endurance and the world’s capacity to intervene.
Palestian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri urges the international community and United Nations (UN) to take decisive action against Israel’s escalating war crimes.
Speaking at the World Day of Prayer for Palestinian people in the capital, Ambassador Almassri revealed that worsening and continuing suffering of the Palestinian people at the hands of Israeli apartheid state reflects a moral and legal failure of the global system and the countries that claim to be committed to peace, the two-state solution, and the principles of human rights.
He added that the war between Israel and Hamas had been raging on for months, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake.
“The conflict begun on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,000 people and taking hundreds hostage.
“The Israeli military had responded with force, launching airstrikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip.
“As the war dragged on, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grew increasingly dire. Hospitals were overwhelmed with wounded civilians, and aid organizations struggled to reach those in need.
“The Israeli blockade of Gaza had cut off essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine”, Ambassador Almassri explained.
Dr Almassri highlighted that the war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a devastating number of casualties. As of December 10, 2024, it’s reported that over 46,000 people have lost their lives, including 44,786 Palestinians.
Breaking down the numbers further, it’s estimated that around 70% of Palestinian deaths in Gaza are women and children .
The Gaza Health Ministry has also reported that 44% of the fatalities are children, which is a staggering number .
In terms of civilian casualties, various estimates suggest that between 61% to 90% of those killed were civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many families affected by the conflict. In fact, it’s reported that over 60% of Gazans have lost family members since October 7, 2023.
These numbers are a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians and families in Gaza.