Malta, October 26, 2024 – A ship carrying crucial aid to Gaza was reportedly struck by a drone in international waters off Malta, highlighting the perils faced by humanitarian efforts amid the ongoing blockade. This attack comes as concerns mount over a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with rising casualties and escalating military operations.
The incident follows reports of a dire situation within Gaza, where a baby girl recently died from malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza City after two months under the Israeli blockade. Al Jazeera reports at least 57 Palestinians have already died due to starvation as a result. UNICEF has issued stark warnings about the “growing risk of starvation, illness and death” facing Palestinian children, as restrictions continue to impede the delivery of essential food and aid.
Adding to the crisis, two women were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in al-Fakhari, near Khan Younis. A fisherman was killed, and another injured in an Israeli naval attack off the coast of Gaza City. There are also allegations that Israeli forces have targeted Palestinians attempting to collect food.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports the death toll has reached at least 52,495 Palestinians killed and 118,366 wounded. The Gaza Government Media Office has updated the total further, reporting more than 61,700 deaths, with thousands still missing under rubble.
Recent weeks saw the International Court of Justice (ICJ) conclude public hearings regarding Israel’s obligations to facilitate the entry of UN agencies and other relief groups into Palestinian territories. Many participating states argued that Israel has failed to provide adequate aid to Palestinians.
Meanwhile, the UN is preparing to review the operations and impact of its agency responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees in Gaza and elsewhere.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, Israel’s government has decided to expand its military operation in Gaza, initiating the call-up of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. This escalation raises further concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians.
The current crisis is rooted in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recent escalation was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of over 200 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza has included airstrikes and a ground invasion. A ceasefire reached in January 2025 was broken in March 2025. The blockade of Gaza has been in place for several years, significantly impacting the living conditions and humanitarian situation of the population.