On October 7th, 2023, the militant group Hamas attacked Israel. 5,000 rockets were fired at Israel destroying homes and buildings. This was one of the worst invasions in Israel in 50 years. About 250 Israelis were found dead and 1,400 were wounded according to “The New York Times”. As many as 234 Palestinians were also found dead and almost 1,600 wounded according to the Palestinian Health MInistry in Gaza. Since then, about 500 Palestinians have died.
Bombings in Palestine have killed more than 7,300 people and injured 18,500 others according to CNN. Hamas has taken at least 235 people hostage, about 32 of those being Americans.
People have been evacuated from Gaza. Palestinians have been encouraged by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to evacuate towards the south. The United States, Egypt, and Israel have allowed the Rafah southern gates to be open and let people through.
18,500 people have been injured and their main power source no longer works. Because of this, Thousands of peoples lives are at risk.
Thousands of people have been displaced, and are taking shelter, but the UN agency “described the situation in Gaza as desperate” according to NBC.
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, airstrikes hit UN schools in which people were seeking shelter in. About 20 people were killed.
Shelters are starting to become too full, filling about four times their capacity. According to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), “conditions continue to create more health issues.”
As of November 7th, 2023, 5,000 people have evacuated south. 717,000 people are being sheltered , about 110,00 in schools and 122,000 in hospitals according to CNN.
Following the war, conflict has sparked up in many different places. According to CNN, “at least 2,000 crimes in connection with the Middle East conflict” have been reported. Worldwide, thousands of incidents have been reported.
The United States has continued to “have Israel’s back”. President Biden has warned Israel against occupying Gaza saying it would be a “big mistake”. President Biden asked for a $105 billion security package including 14.3 billion for Israel. The 14.3 billion is to strengthen Israel’s military including “air and missile support”. Another $10 billion has also been sent for “humanitarian assistance” to aid refugees.
