Gaza's Civil Defense has released a statement detailing the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict with Israel. According to the report, the Civil Defense has lost 99 personnel and 319 individuals have been injured due to what they describe as 'deliberate Israeli targeting' over the course of 470 days of war.
Of those injured, dozens have sustained permanent disabilities, and 27 members of the Civil Defense have been detained by Israeli forces. This has resulted in a significant loss of human resources for the force, with a 48% decrease in personnel due to death, injury, or detainment.
The report also highlights the extensive damage inflicted on Civil Defense infrastructure, with 14 out of 27 centers or headquarters completely destroyed and three others partially damaged as a result of being targeted by the Israeli military.
Furthermore, the Civil Defense reports that 85% of its response vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue vehicles, have been destroyed. Videos released by the group show ambulances in northern Gaza that were seized by the Israeli army and reduced to 'a pile of scrap metal.'
The Civil Defense has called on the international community to provide support by deploying civil defense teams and equipment to Gaza. They emphasize the urgent need for rehabilitation, rebuilding, and the provision of necessary resources, capabilities, and equipment to address the extensive destruction caused by the prolonged conflict.
In their statement, the Civil Defense stresses the importance of addressing the catastrophic reality left by the war and the need to prepare for continued efforts in dealing with the aftermath of the conflict.
