Israel-Hamas war enters 11th week; Conflict takes miserable turn in Gaza Strip

The deadly Israel-Hamas war has stretched into the 11th week turning the situation in the Gaza Strip more miserable for the people. A prolonged communications blackout was witnessed Saturday in the besieged Gaza Strip. (Reuters)

A UN agency taking cognisance of the circumstances in the area informed that the communication blackouts and the spiralled hunger levels in recent days have compounded the misery in Gaza. (Reuters)

According to media reports, internet and telephone lines are still inaccessible which went down on Thursday evening. The blackouts have hampered aid deliveries and rescue efforts. (AFP)

“The internet blackout is ongoing, and based on our records it is the longest such incident” in the over-two-month war, said Alp Toker, the group’s director. According to the UN's humanitarian affairs department, the communications were "severely disrupted" due to damage to telecommunications lines. (AP)

The offensive caused major damage to northern Gaza and drove 85 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million from their homes. The displaced people arduously sheltered mainly in the south in a spiralling humanitarian crisis. (PTI)

Israel's failure to reduce civilian casualties has disturbed the world. Despite expressing unease, the US continues to offer wholehearted support to Israel. (Israel)

A surge from 38 per cent to 56 per cent was reported in the number of displaced households experiencing severe levels of hunger in the space of under two weeks, according to UN's World Food Program. WFP further asserted that households in the north are expected to face a catastrophic situation where aid has been unable to enter. (AP)

The Health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza informed that the offensive so far has claimed the lives of over 18,700 Palestinians. As per the ministry, thousands more are missing and feared dead beneath the rubble. (Reuters)