Since the start of the war in Gaza, 44,466 Palestinians have been killed and 105,358 injured, many of them children and women. which still has no near end in sight.
In the meantime the conflict has reached a truce 60 days in Lebanon, during which more than 3,800 people were killed and 15,800 injured.
the conflict in Gaza continues in all its harshness. Israel continues its offensive on the Gaza Strip,now focusing mainly on the northern half of the enclave.despite the truce in Lebanon and some optimistic voices pointing out that peace in both conflicts could be linked, a ceasefire in Gaza remains unattainable in the short term.
One of the hardest-hit enclaves in recent times was the northern city of Beit Lahia, a city where more than 60 people died in a single attack on a residential building.. The capital Gaza has not been spared from Israeli attacks and operations, such as the one launched against two schools that served as a refuge for those displaced by the conflict.
the humanitarian situation in the Strip continues without any advancement. Actually, Anthony Blinken and the United States have even urged Israel to substantially increase its humanitarian aid and permits to enter Gaza. Israel has acknowledged that it does not meet all requests received to avoid the humanitarian crisis and UNRWA itself, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, has denounced how it was prevented from bringing food to northern Gaza. This absolute lack of organization, authority and supplies has lead to numerous lootings of humanitarian convoys arriving in Gaza with aid.
In its investigations, the UN even accused Israel of using white phosphorus, an incendiary chemical, on several occasions during the Gaza conflict. Even though actions in the West Bank are less systematized, The West Bank is not spared from Israeli interventions and settler attacks against the Palestinian population. Last month, a multi-day incursion in Jenin stood out, resulting in more than a dozen deaths.
Lebanon has not been spared a massive humanitarian exodus due to the conflict, with more than a million people displaced.. As soon as the truce became official,streams of people tried to return to their homes,despite warnings from the authorities asking for maximum caution to avoid areas where Israeli soldiers were still present or where bullets or unexploded ordnance could be found.
Since the conflict in Lebanon entered a massive phase, the Israeli army’s attacks have been almost continuous, despite its advance on Lebanese soil being almost zero.. The majority of his offensive was directed against three main targets: the south of the contry, the south-eastern region around the Beka Valley and Baalbek, and the Lebanese capital.
The bombing of Beirut, especially in the southern area, was almost continuous as Israel claimed that this region served as a security zone for Hezbollah..In these attacks they once again used the tactic of ordering the evacuation of local civilians a few hours before launching their massive bombing raids.
Amid this vortex of hostility, an authoritative voice from the United States has begun to talk about the possibility of a ceasefire between the two sides. AS An agreement has been reached for a 60-day pause in fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, with around 5,000 Lebanese army troops deployed in the south of the country to control the situation..
But the distrust between the two sides is so high that they immediately exchanged accusations of violating the truce.. The suspicions meant that, the day after the ceasefire was announced, Hezbollah accused Israel of launching attacks against displaced people, while the Israelis arrested several suspects in southern Lebanon.
Israeli bombings also hit several areas of Syria close to Lebanon, especially in the west of the country.. These attacks caused extensive damage to infrastructure and, on some occasions, reached the outskirts of Damascus.The situation in syria has also become more serious since Threat of extension of the conflict after the Syrian-Russian bombing of Islamic rebels in the north-west of the country.
In the international diplomatic arena, the election of Donald Trump as the new president of the United States opened a new scenario between the parties, which at first created some expectations to obtain important support that would stop the conflict. In a more humanitarian field, The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against netanyahu and Israel’s former defense minister for war crimesa decision that raised conflicting opinions, among which the indignation of several leaders close to Israel stood out.
title: The Human Cost of Conflict: An Interview with Dr. Miriam Al-Hakim, Expert on Middle Eastern Affairs
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Hakim. The statistics released are truly alarming, with over 44,000 palestinians killed and hundreds of thousands injured as the onset of the war in Gaza. What does this tell us about the scale and gravity of the humanitarian crisis?
Dr.Miriam Al-Hakim: Thank you for having me. These figures are indeed staggering and reflect the severe consequences of prolonged conflict. The scale of violence, particularly affecting women and children, indicates a humanitarian crisis that cannot be underestimated. This kind of loss is not only tragic but also has long-term repercussions on the social fabric and emotional landscape of the affected communities.
Editor: The conflict in Gaza seems to overshadow the situation in Lebanon, despite the truce. With over 3,800 people killed there as well, how do you assess the relationship between these two conflicts?
Dr. Al-Hakim: The conflicts are intricately linked,and the situation in Lebanon could impact the dynamics in Gaza and vice versa. While there might be a truce in Lebanon, the ongoing violence in Gaza can heighten tensions and destabilize the regional balance. Optimistically, some believe a resolution in one area could encourage a ceasefire in the othre, but both conflicts stem from deep-rooted issues that complicate immediate diplomatic solutions.
Editor: You mentioned the humanitarian impact. With reports stating that Israel has not fulfilled all requests to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in gaza, what can be done to address these urgent needs?
Dr.Al-Hakim: This is indeed a critical issue. The international community, particularly entities like the United Nations, must advocate for increased humanitarian access. effective collaboration with local organizations is vital to ensure aid reaches those in need. Moreover, sustained diplomatic pressure on Israel to honor humanitarian requests is necessary, as well as support mechanisms for those displaced, especially during military operations against civilian locations like schools.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking to note that in regions like Beit Lahia, entire families and communities have been devastated by single attacks.How does this affect public perception and the psyche of both Palestinians and Israelis during this war?
Dr. Al-Hakim: The psychological ramifications are profound. For Palestinians, the loss of loved ones and the destruction of homes create a deep sense of grief, fear, and hopelessness. Such trauma can lead to generational psychiatric issues and societal instability. Conversely, within Israel, there exists a fear of ongoing attacks and the perceived need for security. It compounds a cycle of violence and mistrust that inhibits any peace prospects.
Editor: Drawing on that tension, do you believe there is any potential for a peace process given the current circumstances? Can optimism still be a part of the discourse?
Dr. Al-Hakim: Optimism is a double-edged sword here. On one hand, we must remain hopeful that dialogue can arise from the devastation. However, for tangible progress, both sides need to engage in sincere negotiations that consider the humanitarian aspects of the conflict. The rhetoric of peace must translate into actionable plans that prioritize the lives of civilians caught in these conflicts.
Editor: If one were to look at the broader geopolitical context, how do you see the involvement of the United States and its influence on these conflicts?
Dr. Al-Hakim: The U.S. has historically played a key role in Middle Eastern politics,and its actions can significantly impact the trajectory of both conflicts. By urging Israel to increase humanitarian aid, the U.S. is acknowledging the need for a humanitarian response. However, its long-standing political alliances complicate its ability to push for meaningful changes in policy. True progress will require a balanced approach that prioritizes human rights and the well-being of all individuals involved.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hakim, for your insights. As events unfold, we hope for a resolution that can end this cycle of violence and restore peace and humanitarian dignity to the affected regions.
Dr. Al-Hakim: Thank you for shining a light on this critical issue. We can only hope that global consciousness and empathy will lead to sustainable solutions for those suffering on the ground.