Amid the overwhelming number of casualties, Palestinians in Gaza have resorted to burying the unidentified deceased in mass graves, identified only by numbers rather than names, according to residents. In a desperate attempt to safeguard their ability to identify their loved ones in the event of their demise, some families have turned to wearing identification bracelets.
The El-Daba family, like many others, is grappling with the heightened risk posed by the heaviest Israeli bombardment Gaza has ever witnessed. Other Palestinian families are also crafting or acquiring bracelets for their children or writing their names on their arms or legs.
Against this harrowing backdrop, Israel's military has escalated its bombardment of southern Gaza overnight, contributing to one of the deadliest days for Palestinians since October 7. World leaders have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate the delivery of aid to the besieged enclave, which is grappling with severe shortages of water, food, fuel, and medicines.
Since October 7, at least 7,326 Palestinians have perished as a result of Israeli bombardment, among them 2,704 children. The devastating humanitarian crisis looms large, demanding immediate international attention and intervention.