There is a danger, as the stories of atrocities and appalling suffering stack up and the death toll rises inexorably higher, that the plight of the people of Gaza could lose its power to shock.
The latest grim milestone to be passed was the total of 40,000 lives lost since Israel’s merciless bombardment of the densely populated territory was launched last October, in retaliation for the murder and kidnap of more than 1,200 people by Hamas.
This equates to more than 120 deaths on average each day, many of them women and children, a figure that puts our own violent and senseless conflict into sharp perspective and demands a decisive response from the entire international community.
Among those to die this week were two of the youngest victims of the ‘war’ – newborn twins deprived of the chance of life while their father was in the very act of registering their birth.
Brother and sister Asser and Ayssal were just four days old when their house in Deir Al Balah was reportedly bombed as Mohammed Abu al-Qumsan had gone to collect their birth certificates. Their mother and grandmother were also killed in the airstrike.
Having followed warnings to flee Gaza city for supposed safe zones, the almost unimaginable tragedy is sadly only one of many similar stories in Gaza. Its health ministry says 115 babies have been killed, while the UN is appealing for a pause in hostilities to vaccinate more than 640,000 children against polio.
As the world watches in horror at the scale of the humanitarian crisis, the focus is now on high-level talks aimed at bringing about an end to the carnage.
Negotiators in the Qatari capital Doha are seeking to hammer out a deal that would see a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces accompanied by the release of more than 100 hostages still held in Gaza 10 months on.
Among those to die this week were two of the youngest victims of the ‘war’ – newborn twins deprived of the chance of life while their father was in the very act of registering their birth
The United States, which has shamefully provided military and diplomatic cover for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s murderous campaign, has expressed hope for progress despite the refusal by Hamas to directly engage in recent days. Efforts are due to resume next week
The stakes have been raised even further by the threat of a devastating wider conflict breaking out. Iran has pledged to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, while attacks involving Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah have also ramped up recently.
While lasting peace in the volatile region may remain a distant prospect, every possible pressure must now be brought to bear to end the cycle of suffering in Gaza. That remains the best hope of avoiding even worse loss of life in the months ahead.
