More than 8,500 people killed, Gaza "close to disaster"

Hơn 8.500 người thiệt mạng, Gaza cận kề thảm họa - 1 — Ruined houses in the Gaza Strip after Israeli raids (Photo: Getty).

"A public health disaster is looming with mass displacement, overcrowding, and damage to water and sanitation infrastructure," World Health Organization (WHO) spokesman Christian Lindmeier warned today, October 31.

Mr. Lindmeier also warned of the risk of civilian deaths not directly related to Israeli bombings.

Gaza health authorities say 8,525 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,542 children, since Israel began air strikes on Gaza in response to an unprecedented Hamas offensive on October 7.

According to statistics from Gaza health officials, a total of 57 medical facilities in Gaza have been attacked so far, with 130 doctors and nurses killed. In addition, about 32 medical centers in Gaza are also unable to operate due to lack of fuel.

Some 940 children have been reported missing in Gaza, with some believed to be trapped under rubble, Elder said, adding that others are suffering from severe trauma or stress.

The UN humanitarian office previously confirmed that water supplies to southern Gaza had been cut off since October 30 but "the reason is unclear".

A WHO spokesman called for fuel to be brought into Gaza to allow a desalination plant to operate. Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip and refused to allow fuel into the area, saying Hamas could use the fuel for military purposes.

Catherine Russell, head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has issued a warning about water supplies in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the situation is on the brink of "disaster".

In addition to the difficult environmental conditions, Ms Russell also highlighted the “terrible trauma” experienced by children in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said today that Egypt is working to resolve the "unprecedented humanitarian crisis" in Gaza. He added that the two-state solution is the solution to ensure peace in the region.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced on October 31 that the Israeli military had attacked "hundreds" of Hamas targets overnight.

Earlier, the IDF announced "expanding ground attacks" into Gaza in an attempt to "destroy" Hamas and prevent it from carrying out further attacks on Israeli territory.

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