In response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported that more than 613,000 displaced individuals are seeking shelter in overcrowded U.N. facilities. The situation has pushed these facilities well beyond their capacity, posing a significant challenge for the agency.

Furthermore, UNRWA disclosed that since October 7, 38 of its staff members have tragically lost their lives, while another 20 have been injured. The agency has also dealt with substantial damage to 41 of its facilities as a result of the conflict.

Compounding the crisis, hospitals in the Gaza Strip are now limited to treating emergency cases due to dwindling fuel supplies. The United Nations has expressed concerns that fuel could run out across the territory within the next few hours. This development further strains an already overwhelmed healthcare system, as they struggle to manage the influx of patients amidst the ongoing violence.

Reports from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza indicate that for the second consecutive day, Israeli air strikes have claimed the lives of over 700 people. Israel's military maintains that it is targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure. The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented cross-border assault on October 7, resulting in a high number of casualties and numerous hostages.

Amidst the escalating crisis, U.S. President Biden reiterated his support for Israel during a press conference, emphasizing its right to respond to what he described as the "slaughter of their people" perpetrated by Hamas. However, he also stressed the crucial need to provide humanitarian aid into Gaza, acknowledging that the majority of Palestinian people do not support or endorse Hamas.

In a tragic development, Al Jazeera announced that the wife and two children of its Gaza bureau chief, Wael Al-Dahdouh, were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Al-Dahdouh's family had sought refuge in a Gaza camp after being displaced during the initial retaliatory strikes following the October 7 attack.

The intensifying conflict has raised questions about the future governance of Gaza. As Israel vows to "destroy Hamas," concerns are growing about who or what will replace the Palestinian militant group's control over the territory. Neighboring countries have warned against an invasion, citing the potential for increased civilian casualties and displacement.

In a bid to address the humanitarian crisis, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on rival proposals by the United States and Russia. Both resolutions aim to alleviate shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, medical resources, and electricity in Gaza. While the U.S. proposal calls for pauses to allow aid to enter the region, Russia is advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire.

Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women and girls, the executive director of UN-Women, Sima Bahous, highlighted the dire circumstances they face. With over 690,000 women and girls displaced, they are at increased risk of violence. Bahous noted that of the more than 6,000 individuals killed in Gaza, 67% were women and children. In addition, more than 1,400 Israelis, including women and children, fell victim to the October 7 attack.

As tensions continue to rise, Israel has reportedly agreed to delay its planned ground invasion of Gaza. This decision aims to allow for humanitarian aid access, facilitate hostage negotiations, and provide time for the United States to deploy air defense systems to protect U.S. troops deployed in the region.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains a humanitarian crisis, with the situation deteriorating rapidly. The international community, including the United Nations and various global powers, continues to grapple with finding a resolution amidst the escalating violence and its devastating impact on the region's civilian population.