Intensified Israeli Strikes Leave Dozens Dead
Israeli bombardment and ground operations in Gaza have escalated sharply, claiming 36 more Palestinian lives on Friday alone, according to local health officials. Among the dead were 21 people reportedly waiting in queues to receive humanitarian aid.
The surge in violence follows a decision by Israel’s cabinet to pursue full control over Gaza, a move that has coincided with an intensification of both airstrikes and ground incursions. Witnesses and aid agencies say the attacks are striking not only military targets but also densely populated civilian areas, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
Starvation Crisis Deepens Under Blockade
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that, in the past 24 hours, four more Palestinians — including children — have died from hunger and malnutrition. This brings the total number of starvation-related deaths since October 2023 to at least 201, among them 98 children.
The blockade, imposed after the outbreak of the current conflict, has severely restricted the flow of food, medicine, and other essentials. Aid deliveries, when allowed, are subject to strict Israeli and US oversight. International aid agencies have been largely barred from operating independently in the territory, limiting their ability to reach the most vulnerable populations.
Aid Convoys Targeted, Global Outrage Grows
Footage circulating on social media shows Israeli soldiers and US security personnel opening fire on crowds gathered for food distributions. These incidents, filmed at multiple locations in Gaza, have provoked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and governments worldwide.
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations warn that such attacks on civilians seeking aid may constitute violations of international law. They also caution that continued restrictions on aid could push famine conditions into full-scale catastrophe.
Mounting Death Toll Since October 2023
According to the latest UN figures, more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its military campaign on 7 October 2023. In one of the deadliest recent days, 150 people were killed within 24 hours as Israeli strikes intensified, including former national football captain Suleiman Al-Obaid. The figure includes thousands of women and children, though precise breakdowns are difficult to confirm due to disrupted communications and restricted access for independent observers.
The Israeli government says its operations are aimed at eliminating Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken during the initial Hamas assault on Israel. Palestinian authorities, however, accuse Israel of waging a campaign of collective punishment that disproportionately harms civilians.
International Response and Diplomatic Pressure
In response to the deteriorating situation, the United Nations Security Council has called an emergency session for later today. Fourteen of the council’s 15 member states jointly requested the meeting, reflecting the breadth of concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian toll.
Diplomats say the session will focus on calls for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and renewed negotiations aimed at preventing further loss of civilian life. However, previous attempts to pass binding resolutions on Gaza have been blocked by the United States, a key Israeli ally.
A Crisis with No Clear End
The conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating. The combination of relentless military strikes, severe restrictions on aid, and a worsening public health emergency has left much of the territory on the brink of collapse.
Humanitarian experts warn that unless the blockade is eased and aid is allowed to flow freely, the death toll from starvation and preventable disease could soon rival that from the airstrikes and shelling.
With the Security Council set to meet and public outrage mounting, pressure is building on all parties to halt the violence. Yet, for the people of Gaza, survival remains a daily struggle — and the prospects for relief remain uncertain.
