At least 26 people have been killed in recent Israeli attacks on Gaza, with many of the victims being aid seekers. This surge in violence comes as Palestinians face a severe hunger crisis due to an ongoing blockade.
The attacks occurred amid desperate scenes at food distribution points, where people have been waiting for aid. Tragically, among those killed were 11 individuals at centers run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has faced criticism from the United Nations for allegedly misusing aid.
In a separate incident, an Israeli drone strike targeted a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, resulting in at least three deaths and several injuries. This tent was located in an area that the Israeli military had previously designated as a "safe zone," raising serious concerns about the safety of civilians in the region.
The Health Ministry of Gaza reported that in the last 48 hours, at least 202 people have died due to Israeli attacks, with over 1,000 others wounded. Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, the death toll has reached over 55,900, with more than 131,000 injured.
The situation has become increasingly dire as Israeli attacks on aid distribution sites have intensified. Thousands of Palestinians gather daily in hopes of receiving food rations after two months of blocked aid deliveries. Witnesses describe the experience as perilous, with one displaced Palestinian, Omar al-Hobi, stating that approaching these sites feels like "entering the point of death." He recounted the fear of being shot while trying to access aid.
Israel claims its actions are meant to control crowds, but many witnesses and humanitarian organizations report that the shootings often occur without provocation. The Red Cross noted that a significant number of patients arriving at their field hospital were injured while attempting to reach aid distribution points.
In addition to the violence, reports indicate disruptions in internet and landline services across Gaza, affecting communication in several areas. This outage has persisted for over three days, complicating the already challenging situation for residents.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, leaving many families in urgent need of assistance and protection.