Gaza is facing a dire situation as Israeli forces have dramatically intensified their strikes over the past three days. According to Gaza health officials, at least 300 Palestinians have been killed in these recent strikes. Reports indicate that overnight strikes alone resulted in at least 72 deaths, with hospitals and morgues struggling to manage the rising death toll. Airstrikes on Wednesday reportedly killed almost two dozen children. Rescuers reported 120 people killed in the past 24 hours in Israeli strikes on Gaza. At least 26 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since midnight local time.
Intense Bombardment in Northern Gaza
The northern Gaza Strip, particularly Beit Lahiya and the Jabalia refugee camp, has experienced heavy bombardment. The Israeli military claims it struck over 150 targets across Gaza, including anti-tank missile posts, terrorist cells, military structures, and operational centers. They assert that these strikes serve as a final warning to Hamas to surrender or face an expanded offensive.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation is also deteriorating rapidly. US President Donald Trump acknowledged that “a lot of people are starving in Gaza.” There are reports of roughly 60,000 children showing signs of malnutrition amid renewed bombardment and an Israeli-imposed blockade. Adding to the crisis, there are reports of Israeli strikes hitting two hospitals in Gaza, with CCTV footage showing damage to the EGH hospital.
Aid Efforts Underway
In response to the crisis, a new US-backed organization intends to begin distributing aid in Gaza by the end of the month. However, the scale of the destruction and the ongoing blockade present significant challenges to aid delivery and humanitarian efforts.