Netanyahu defiant amid mounting international concern for humanitarian crisis in Gaza

In a bold and resolute statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his rejection of calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, asserting his commitment to continue the military campaign until achieving what he termed “absolute victory.”

Netanyahu, known colloquially as Bibi, touted his military’s achievements, claiming they have wounded and eliminated over 20,000 “terrorists” in Gaza over a span of four months. His remarks come amidst growing international alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in the besieged territory.

The Israeli leader’s refusal to entertain a ceasefire arrives amid Hamas’s proposal for a four-and-a-half-month truce, during which all hostages would be released, Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza, and negotiations for an end to the conflict would be pursued.

“We are on the way to an absolute victory,” Netanyahu declared, emphasizing that the operation would endure for months, not years. He insisted that there is “no other solution” and expressed confidence that all objectives of the war would soon be achieved.

Critics have voiced concerns over the humanitarian toll of the conflict, with more than 11,000 children killed by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. Reports indicate thousands more are missing, possibly buried under rubble, and children are resorting to desperate measures like eating grass to stave off hunger.

Israel faces accusations of breaching the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice, with South Africa filing a case against the country. The United Nations’ top court has ordered Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide in Gaza.

As the conflict persists, new mothers in Gaza struggle to access essential supplies like baby formula and diapers, which are either unavailable or priced prohibitively high. This dire situation has led some to feed solid food to infants younger than six months, despite the associated health risks.

Furthermore, the lack of fresh produce, unregulated food stalls, and cold weather have exacerbated health issues among Gazans, including respiratory infections, skin rashes, and diarrhoea.

UNICEF has raised alarms about the scarcity of clean water, with most newly displaced individuals having access to only 1-2 litres per day for drinking, cooking, and washing, leading to a rise in chronic diarrhoea cases among children.

Netanyahu’s steadfast stance against a ceasefire underscores the entrenched nature of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza