Gaza Under Fire and Siege: Ongoing Escalation and a Worsening Humanitarian Catastrophe
Gaza is witnessing a dangerous and continuous escalation, as the Israeli occupation forces continue to violate the ceasefire agreement for the 120th consecutive day. Meanwhile, medical aid and humanitarian support are dwindling to unprecedented levels, pushing the Strip toward a genuine health and existential collapse that threatens the lives of millions.
Daily Bombardment
Palestinian sources reported the deaths of Mu’tasim Issa Samour, who succumbed to his wounds in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis; Salem Rouhi al-Sous (33 years old) in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza; Dalia Khaled Hafez Asfour (Qashta), who died from injuries sustained in 2023 in central Rafah; and Naseem Abu al-Ajeen (20 years old) east of Deir al-Balah.
In contrast, intense artillery and airstrikes continued in areas east of Gaza City, Khan Younis, and al-Bureij, including the destruction of a water tank in Khan Younis, reflecting the ongoing daily violations of the ceasefire agreement.
The total number of victims of violations since the start of the agreement on October 11, 2025, has reached:
576 martyrs
1,543 injuries
717 bodies have been recovered
Meanwhile, the toll since the beginning of the Zionist war of extermination on October 7, 2023, has risen to:
72,027 martyrs
171,651 injuries
Collapse of the health system
The head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Ismail al-Thawabta, warned of a sharp decline in supplies to the health sector since mid-January 2026, with the number of trucks entering Gaza not exceeding 5% of the required amount, threatening the imminent collapse of the medical system.
Shocking Health Indicators:
46% of essential medicines are out of stock.
66% of medical supplies are out of stock.
84% of laboratory materials and blood bank supplies are depleted.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that vital services such as cancer treatment, hematology, surgery, and intensive care are threatened with disruption, while even the simplest painkillers have become scarce, exacerbating the daily suffering of patients.
Cancer Patients on the Brink of Death
Dr. Mohammed Abu Nada, Medical Director of the Gaza Cancer Center, warned that more than 11,000 patients are being deprived of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while approximately 300 to 400 cases require urgent medical evacuation due to the severity of their conditions.
He pointed out that travel and border restrictions have prevented patients from receiving treatment, with a backlog of critical cases since October 2023. This has led to the deaths of hundreds of patients and increased mortality rates among newly diagnosed patients whose illnesses are discovered at late stages.
Staff Losses and Pressure on Hospitals
Dr. Hassan Al-Shaer, Medical Director of Al-Shifa Hospital, confirmed that more than 30% of medical staff have been killed or arrested, leading to a decline in the hospitals’ ability to provide services.
He pointed out that more than 20,000 patients urgently need treatment outside the Gaza Strip, but access to such treatment is extremely limited. This means that saving all critical cases will take many years, a dangerous indicator of the scale of the health catastrophe.
Forensic Evidence: Challenges in Identifying Victims
Mahmoud Ashour, spokesperson for the Forensic Evidence Department, announced the recovery of approximately 700 bodies since the ceasefire, while more than 8,500 people remain missing under the rubble.
He noted the difficulty in identifying the bodies due to severe disfigurement or the presence of body parts, calling for the introduction of DNA testing laboratories and the necessary equipment to address the scale of the disaster.
Continued Bombardment Despite Agreement
The Gaza Strip continues to witness the demolition of homes and buildings, and the targeting of agricultural lands along the Green Line, from southern Gaza to its north, accompanied by intensive drone and Apache helicopter activity, particularly in the eastern neighborhoods of Zeitoun, Shuja’iyya, and Tuffah, east of Gaza City.
The Rafah crossing reopened after a two-day closure, amidst strict restrictions, reflecting the ongoing suffering of the population and the continued siege.
Gaza Faces a Test of Survival
In light of this situation, the Gaza Strip appears to be on the brink of total collapse, where a health catastrophe intersects with daily military escalation, under a suspicious international silence and a failure to enforce humanitarian and legal obligations.
Observers emphasize that saving what remains of life in the Strip requires urgent and effective international intervention to lift the siege, ensure the flow of aid, and uphold the Palestinians’ right to live in dignity, before each day becomes another irreversible catastrophe.