Lift blockade, ensure lifesaving access for Gaza

Amnesty International has issued a report accusing Israel of continuing to inflict genocide on Palestinians in Gaza despite the October Oth ceasefire. Israel's aim is to "bring about their physical destruction, without signalling any change in (its) intent," Amnesty said.

- Michael Jansen, Political Correspondent

Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard argued the Israeli authorities are pursuing "their ruthless policies, restricting access to vital humanitarian aid and essential services, and deliberately imposing conditions calculated to physically destroy Palestinians in Gaza." She added, "Israel's pattern of conduct in Gaza, including the deliberate, unlawful denial of lifesaving aid to Palestinians, many of whom are injured, malnourished and at risk of serious disease, continues to threaten their survival." At least 347 Palestinians, including 136 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks during the ceasefire, according to Gaza's health authorities. Three Israeli soldiers have been slain.

However, a study conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) and the Centre for Demographic Studies (CED), has reported higher figures for fatalities, arguing that Gaza officials have been under reporting deaths. The institute estimated that more than 78,000 Palestinians were killed between October 7, 2023, and December 31, 2024, and that the current death toll could have surpassed 100,000. The study warned that life expectancy in 2024 fell to nearly half the level attained without the war.