Gaza’s Casualties Amid Ongoing Violence
On Thursday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported a tragic toll of 22 fatalities due to Israeli fire across the region, with 16 individuals losing their lives while waiting to collect vital aid. The ongoing violence has made the distribution of food and basic necessities increasingly perilous, exacerbating the already dire hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Mohammed al-Mughayyir, a civil defense official, detailed to AFP that ten deceased were brought to Al-Awda Hospital, along with about 200 injured persons, including many women and children. This surge in casualties resulted from Israeli drones launching multiple attacks on civilian gatherings near an aid distribution point located at the Netzarim checkpoint in central Gaza.
Impact of Strikes on Aid Distribution
In another troubling incident, Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported six more deaths linked to Israeli airstrikes targeting aid queues, both near the Netzarim area and the Al-Sudaniya region in northwestern Gaza. When asked for confirmation, the Israeli army acknowledged their awareness of the reports and stated that they were currently investigating the incidents.
Al-Mughayyir noted that, in total, six additional individuals were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes throughout Gaza, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by civilians amid escalating military actions.
Hamas’s Allegations Against Aid Workers
Adding to the turmoil, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, accused the militant group Hamas of attacking aid workers who were en route to a distribution center on Wednesday, resulting in five casualties. The organization reported that a bus transporting its staff to a distribution site near the southern city of Khan Yunis was “brutally attacked by Hamas” at approximately 10:00 pm (1900 GMT).
In clarification provided through an email to AFP, GHF confirmed that all five victims were Palestinian aid workers affiliated with their organization, underscoring the risks faced by those trying to deliver assistance in such a volatile environment.
Israel’s Response to the Crisis
Amid the escalating violence, Israel’s foreign ministry took to social media platform X, accusing Hamas of “weaponizing suffering in Gaza” by denying food access, targeting lifesaving efforts, and neglecting the welfare of its own populace. These statements reflect the broader narrative surrounding the conflict, complicating the humanitarian situation.
Furthermore, Gaza’s civil defense agency highlighted that countless Palestinians have tragically lost their lives while trying to reach GHF distribution points since these operations began in late May. The dire conditions facing residents of Gaza, coupled with the threat of violence, continue to complicate humanitarian efforts and exacerbate the suffering of innocents.
