A recent United Nations report has revealed that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza between March 18 and April 9 resulted in the deaths of only Palestinian women and children. The report raises serious concerns about the targeting of civilians amidst an already dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a severe aid blockade.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that 36 Israeli airstrikes were analyzed, revealing a disturbing pattern. These findings come as the UN warns that Israel’s ongoing military offensive threatens the “continued existence as a group” for Palestinians.
For over a month, no commercial or humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza, trapping over 2.1 million people. Essential medical supplies and food are running out, pushing the population closer to starvation. The situation is particularly dire for children, with over 1,000 reportedly killed or injured in the first week after the ceasefire breakdown in March. At least 500 children have been killed since the ceasefire broke down.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights has condemned the targeting of civilians near field kitchens and food distribution centers by Israeli forces. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Israeli authorities have denied 68% of UN attempts to coordinate aid access in Gaza since March 18, severely hindering the delivery of life-saving assistance. At least 408 humanitarian workers have been killed since October 2023.
Adding to the crisis, Israeli forces have seized the “Morag Corridor,” effectively cutting off Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip. Residents in Khan Younis have been ordered to evacuate in anticipation of an imminent attack, raising fears of further displacement and casualties. Clashes have also erupted in the occupied West Bank, signaling a broader escalation of conflict.
The UN’s findings and the ongoing blockade paint a grim picture of the situation in Gaza, raising urgent questions about the protection of civilians and the need for unimpeded humanitarian access. The international community is facing increasing pressure to address the crisis and ensure accountability for actions that violate international law.