ISLAMABAD: On Monday, Pakistan announced its decision to send humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip in order to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population. The Foreign Office made this announcement in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression and siege in Gaza.
The statement from the Foreign Office highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza due to the indiscriminate Israeli attacks and the siege of the densely populated area. The government of Pakistan is coordinating with various organizations, including the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, relevant UN agencies, the Government of Egypt, and Pakistan’s Missions abroad to work out the details of aid delivery.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the regional head of the United Nations’ World Health Organization stating that the territory has only “24 hours of water, electricity, and fuel left.” If Gaza does not receive aid timely, healthcare providers may have to prepare death certificates for their patients.
As of Monday, Gaza had endured 10 days of relentless Israeli airstrikes, triggered by an attack on October 7 by Hamas militants based in Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties in southern Israel. The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reported approximately 2,750 deaths and 9,700 injuries, with the UN stating that one million people have been displaced.
The power outages are jeopardizing life-support systems, such as desalination plants, food refrigeration, and hospital incubators. Basic daily activities, like using the restroom, showering, and washing clothes, have become nearly impossible for local residents.
Furthermore, overcrowding is overwhelming hospitals, leading to difficulties in properly caring for the deceased. Intensive care units, operating rooms, emergency services, and other hospital departments are on the verge of collapse.
Complete Siege by Israel
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz announced the restoration of water supplies to southern Gaza after a week of cutting off water, power, and fuel supplies, which Israel had referred to as a “complete siege.” Such actions, which deprive civilians of essential goods necessary for survival, are in violation of international law, according to the UN human rights chief.
