Ceasefire negotiations set to begin in Doha amid escalating crisis in Gaza

The conflict in Gaza has continued for over ten months since Israel responded to a terrorist attack by the extremist group Hamas last October. Humanitarian representatives report that the situation in Gaza is catastrophic and worsening. Fatalities are nearing 40,000.

“There are no words left to describe the situation,” says Tiina Saarikoski, head of international aid for the Red Cross. In Gaza, there is a severe shortage of healthcare, medicines, food, and water. Very few hospitals remain operational, and even those are so overwhelmed that they cannot care for everyone. The Finnish Red Cross is currently operating a field hospital in the region.

In addition to the attacks and famine, the population is also facing the threat of a polio epidemic. “It is difficult to understand the impact of violence on the population of Gaza,” states Linda Konate, head of Doctors Without Borders in Finland. “We are talking about situations where small children, toddlers, are having to undergo amputations before they learn to walk.” Experts report that aid work can only be conducted in a small area; there are no safe places left in Gaza. Almost the entire strip has been designated as an evacuation zone.

Hopes for relief through a ceasefire are set to materialize as negotiations begin this Thursday in Doha, Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the country’s participation, but Hamas’s involvement remains uncertain. The United States and Egypt are also part of the discussions.

Experts note that a ceasefire would provide a much-needed pause to the suffering of Gazans and enable humanitarian aid to reach the area, which has faced significant logistical challenges throughout the conflict. One local hospital had to wait four months for a refrigerator essential for its operations. “Before the conflict, 500 trucks entered Gaza daily; now it’s only about 70-80,” Konate explains, highlighting the difficulties in supplies.

Concerns persist that the conflict could expand across the Middle East, which Saarikoski warns would be catastrophic for Gaza. “It would be extremely serious if attention shifts away from Gaza and the situation continues. Eyes must remain focused on Gaza to end this absurdity.”