GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The international community is increasing pressure on Israel to stop the violence in Gaza, as the ongoing conflict has resulted in the closure of most hospitals and the collapse of the strip’s healthcare system.

French president Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to cease the killing of civilians, becoming the first major western leader to demand a ceasefire after weeks of intense fighting. His appeal came in response to the mounting civilian casualties and damage inflicted on hospitals in Gaza, prompting US secretary of state Antony Blinken to express concern about the high number of Palestinian deaths during the conflict.

In a rare move, Arab and Muslim leaders are convening in Saudi Arabia to address the urgent need for a ceasefire to end the five-week war. The Gaza health spokesman reported that the largest hospital in the enclave, al-Shifa hospital, has been forced to shut down due to fuel shortages for its generators, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in the closure of 20 out of 36 hospitals in the region, leaving thousands of people without access to critical medical care. The Red Cross and Palestinian health officials have expressed deep concern for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with reports of infants and patients on life-saving equipment facing imminent risk due to the lack of electricity and essential medical supplies.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and has brought Gaza’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse. Despite Israel’s assertion that it is targeting hospitals used by Hamas as bases, the widespread destruction of medical facilities has raised international alarm about the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the conflict putting the lives of thousands at risk as hospitals struggle to operate amid power shortages and widespread damage. The urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance has become a focal point for world leaders and relief organizations as they work to address the growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.