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Overnight on Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeting the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, including a family of ten, as reported by local health authorities. The United Nations expressed grave concern regarding the ongoing impact of Israel’s blockade, which has persisted for seven weeks, halting the entry of food and essential supplies into the territory.
Following the resumption of hostilities with Hamas last month, Israel has intensified its military operations, leading to a significant loss of life and territorial control aimed at compelling the militant group to reconsider the terms of existing agreements.
A recent assault in Khan Younis claimed the lives of five children, four women, and a man from one family, all of whom suffered severe burns, as confirmed by Nasser Hospital, which reported receiving the bodies. In northern Gaza, strikes resulted in the deaths of 13 others, including nine children, according to the Indonesian Hospital.
The Israeli military maintains that it endeavors to minimize civilian casualties and attributes the deaths to Hamas’s operational tactics, which they argue occur within populated areas. The military has yet to issue a response regarding the latest incidents.
Humanitarian organizations are sounding alarms, stating that the aid system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. A coalition of 12 independent aid groups indicated in a unified statement that many have ceased operations due to the heightened dangers posed by the resumed hostilities, making it increasingly challenging to deliver critical assistance.
WATCH | Israeli strike in Khan Younis kills family of 10 in tent:
5 children among family of 10 killed in Israeli strike in Khan Younis
Many food distribution initiatives have been suspended due to shortages, prompting the UN and other organizations to redirect their remaining resources to these kitchens. Limited access to markets is another avenue for food acquisition; however, skyrocketing prices and supply shortages have rendered it unaffordable for the majority of residents, with the World Food Program estimating that humanitarian aid is now the primary food source for 80% of the populace.
“Currently, the Gaza Strip is likely facing the most severe humanitarian crisis seen since the escalation of conflict began in October 2023,” stated OCHA.
60 aid workers killed since mid-March: groups
A survey conducted among 47 aid organizations found that 95% have either significantly reduced or entirely shut down their operations, primarily due to the dangerous conditions, as noted in a collective statement from various humanitarian leaders, including representatives from the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam, Save the Children, CARE, and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Since the conflict resumed, Israel has largely ceased collaboration with humanitarian agencies regarding their movements in Gaza. Consequently, aid workers lack assurances that they will not be targeted by military strikes. COGAT, the military authority responsible for coordinating aid, has acknowledged this suspension of communication, which had been established during the ceasefire.
“We possess the necessary supplies and trained personnel. What we lack is the access and guarantees from Israeli authorities that our teams can operate safely,” the statement highlighted. “The very act of survival is slipping from our grasp, and the humanitarian framework is nearing a breaking point.”
Since mid-March, Israeli attacks have directly affected the operations of at least 14 organizations, resulting in the deaths of approximately 60 aid workers. The statement further emphasized, “When our personnel, supplies, and facilities are under fire, the message is unmistakable: even life-saving assistance is no longer protected, which is intolerable.”
Water growing scarce amid food shortage
The scarcity of food has left many residents in Gaza surviving on just one meal a day, according to Shaina Low, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council. This is significantly below what is necessary for proper nutrition.
In addition, access to water is becoming increasingly limited, with residents waiting in long lines to fill containers from supply trucks. Omar Shatat, a local water utility official, reported that individuals are now receiving only six or seven liters per day, far below the UN’s recommended daily minimum for basic needs.
On Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that restricting humanitarian aid is one of the “central pressure tactics” against Hamas, an entity Israel accuses of misusing aid to sustain its governance.
WATCH | Sisters flee north Gaza hospital after Israel orders evacuation before strike:
‘We were scared,’ sisters say after being ordered to evacuate northern Gaza hospital overnight
Reports have indicated that several hospitalized patients, including an amputee and her sister, were forced to evacuate Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital following an Israeli warning of a pending strike. Israel has claimed that the facility housed a Hamas command center but has not provided evidence to support this assertion, while Hamas has denied the allegation.
Israel has demanded that Hamas release more hostages prior to any new ceasefire agreement and has insisted on disarmament and a full withdrawal from the territory. Currently, Hamas is believed to hold 59 hostages, with 24 said to be alive. The militant group has indicated it will only exchange hostages for more Palestinian detainees, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and a permanent ceasefire, as previously discussed in earlier ceasefire negotiations.
Hani Almadhoun, co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen, stated that his facility has enough provisions for about three weeks, although he noted that the options are limited to pasta and rice, lacking fresh produce and protein sources, such as chicken or beef. He added that 15 to 20 percent of those seeking aid at his kitchen leave without receiving any food.
The conflict erupted after Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 people. Many hostages have since been released through ceasefire arrangements or other negotiated deals.
As a result of ongoing hostilities, over 51,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which has not disclosed the number of fatalities categorized as combatants or civilians. Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants but has not provided verification for these figures.
The continuing war has devastated large portions of Gaza and dismantled much of its food production capabilities. Approximately 90 percent of the population has been displaced, with many living in tent camps or damaged buildings.
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