ICSPR reports escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calls for urgent global action
Gaza City, Nov 18: The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) has reported a severe escalation in the humanitarian crisis in Northern Gaza, marking the 44th consecutive day of intense ground operations and a tight siege by Israeli forces. The ICSPR has accused Israeli forces of committing ethnic cleansing, genocide, forced displacement, and large-scale destruction, calling it a grave violation of international law.
In its statement, ICSPR revealed that the ongoing military actions have resulted in over 70 massacres, claiming more than 2,500 lives and leaving 6,000 injured. Hundreds remain missing, while tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, stripped of basic necessities, and left homeless. Targeted violence, including nighttime bombings of homes sheltering civilians—primarily women and children—has further exacerbated the crisis.
In just the past few hours, ICSPR documented four additional massacres in Beit Lahiya, claiming over 90 lives and devastating families such as Abdel-Atti, Ghabein, Ghoneim, Talouli, and Safi. Forty-two shelters for displaced individuals have been destroyed, and displaced residents at three shelters in Beit Hanoun were forcibly expelled, with aid supplies set ablaze. In a separate incident, the UNRWA-operated Abu Asi School in Al-Shati Camp was bombed, resulting in 10 fatalities and 20 injuries, with many victims still trapped under the rubble.
Northern Gaza remains under an unrelenting siege, with humanitarian aid and medical supplies blocked for the 53rd day. This has crippled essential healthcare services, with facilities like the Indonesian Hospital rendered non-operational and Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda hospitals nearing the depletion of critical resources. An estimated 70,000 residents are trapped, facing starvation and limited access to medical care.
The ICSPR also reported the destruction of critical infrastructure, including homes and civilian facilities, alongside the forced displacement of over 150,000 people. Drone strikes targeting civilians attempting to flee have added to the devastation. The commission highlighted that bombings of residential areas and displacement camps continue indiscriminately and without warning.
For 408 consecutive days, ICSPR noted, Israeli forces have waged what it describes as a war of aggression characterized by genocidal acts against civilians. The toll includes approximately 43,799 fatalities—representing 4% of Gaza’s population—over 103,601 injuries, 7,000 detentions, and the destruction of 86% of homes and civilian infrastructure.
ICSPR accused the Israeli government, the United States, and other supportive states of enabling war crimes and violating international treaties, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Rome Statute. The organization also condemned the international community for failing to act decisively to halt the violence or ensure accountability.
The commission has issued urgent pleas to the United Nations, European Union, International Criminal Court, and other global entities to intervene immediately. It has called for measures to halt the violence, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and hold Israeli leaders accountable for alleged war crimes to prevent further impunity.
“The international community’s inaction has emboldened those committing these atrocities,” the ICSPR emphasized, demanding a swift response to protect civilians, restore humanitarian access, and bring an end to the escalating violence in Gaza.
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2 Indian journalists win Pulitzer Prize for highlighting cyber fraud
New York (PTI): Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for their work highlighting digital surveillance and cyber fraud.
Anand and Sharma won the award, announced on Monday, in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category. They share the award with Natalie Obiko Pearson of Bloomberg.
According to The Pulitzer Prizes website, the award-winning work titled “trAPPed”, produced for Bloomberg, narrates the "riveting account" of a neurologist in India who was held under a “digital arrest” through her phone, using a blend of "visuals and words" to underscore the "growing global challenges of surveillance and digital scams".
The Pulitzer Prizes, administered by Columbia University, are regarded as among the highest honours in journalism, literature and music composition, recognising excellence in reporting and storytelling.
