Gaza's Last Civilian Areas Plagued by Fear as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates

Desperation grows among Palestinians in Gaza as Israeli forces engage in fierce urban battles with Hamas militants, sowing fear in one of the last places where civilians could seek refuge. The United Nations warns that there are no safe places in Gaza, and the grinding offensive has triggered renewed international alarm. The U.N. Secretary-General has invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter to warn of an impending "humanitarian catastrophe," and Arab and Islamic nations are calling for a vote on a draft resolution demanding a humanitarian cease-fire. The United States, while expressing concern, is likely to block any U.N. effort to halt the fighting. The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with a growing hunger crisis and limited access to humanitarian aid.