As of Wednesday morning, Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have continued relentlessly, resulting in over 430 casualties. This marks a further escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted for nearly three weeks. Israeli sources have stated that the primary aim of these airstrikes is to exert pressure on Hamas, urging the militant group to return to the negotiation table and to release as many hostages as possible.

These sources have also warned that if Hamas refuses to engage in talks, the scope of the military operation will expand, potentially going beyond aerial assaults. This warning has intensified concerns about a possible ground invasion or other military actions that could exacerbate the already dire situation in Gaza.

In addition to the airstrikes, Israel has maintained a near-total siege on Gaza, cutting off essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel. This siege is affecting approximately 2.3 million people in Gaza, who are now facing severe shortages. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the fact that drinking water is available to only 10 percent of Gaza’s population. The Southern Gaza desalination plant in Deir al-Balah, which provides drinking water for roughly 600,000 people, has been rendered inoperable after Israel cut off power to the key desalination facility. The plant was previously reliant on electricity supplied by Israel, which has now been severed.

The continuing violence and humanitarian deprivation in Gaza paint a grim picture of the toll the conflict is taking on civilians, while international calls for ceasefire and aid access continue to grow louder. The situation remains volatile, with no clear resolution in sight as Israel and Hamas remain locked in a bitter standoff.

Al Jazeera.