KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Recent Israeli strikes and gunfire have claimed the lives of at least 33 Palestinians, according to local health officials, with casualties including individuals seeking shelter and food. The escalating violence occurs amid a devastating famine affecting Gaza's largest city, intensifying pressure on Israel regarding its ongoing 22-month military operation.
Israel's defense minister issued a stern warning that Gaza City may face destruction in an imminent military operation, even as reports of famine increase. Aid organizations have repeatedly cautioned that the war, ignited by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, combined with months of Israeli restrictions on food and medical supplies entering Gaza, is leading to widespread starvation.
The Israeli government has vigorously denied allegations of a famine, characterizing such declarations as "an outright lie." Meanwhile, efforts to broker a ceasefire are stalled as mediators await Israel's next course of action. Reports indicate that strikes in Khan Younis, a southern area of Gaza, resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, more than half of whom were women and children, according to morgue records and health officials from Nasser Hospital. Strikes specifically targeted tents where displaced families had sought refuge.
Desperate scenes unfolded as families mourned their losses. A small boy was heard asking his deceased brother why he had abandoned him, highlighting the emotional toll on those left behind. One grieving relative, Hekmat Foujo, called out for mercy and a truce, echoing the pleas of many who are suffering amid the violence.
In northern Gaza, gunfire from Israeli forces reportedly claimed at least five lives of individuals seeking aid near the Zikim crossing, a strategic point for humanitarian access. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate announced that cameraman Khaled al-Madhoun was also killed while documenting events at the crossing, asserting he had been targeted by Israeli troops. Additionally, hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent reported civilian casualties resulting from various attacks around Gaza.
Witnesses described chaos as they rushed to secure food amidst gunfire and impending danger. Mohamed Saada, among a multitude of individuals desperate for supplies, mentioned the overwhelming number of people and the risky conditions they faced. A report released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification highlighted that nearly half a million people in Gaza now experience catastrophic hunger, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel.
Despite some recent allowances for humanitarian aid, including airdrops and limited ground deliveries, humanitarian organizations assert these efforts fall far short of the growing needs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that sufficient aid has been provided throughout the conflict while accusing Hamas of using hostages as a means of leveraging the situation.
The stark realities of the humanitarian crisis were underscored by an increase in airstrikes observed in recent weeks, particularly around Gaza City, which remains a center of Hamas activity and a focus for Israeli military operations. As ground troops have already engaged at the city's outskirts, any forthcoming operation could further endanger the hundreds of thousands of civilians still residing there.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders reported a spike in patients fleeing airstrikes as civilians grapple with the frightening decision of whether to evacuate or remain amidst the chaos. Many are aware that their current location may become increasingly perilous as military operations escalate.
Ceasefire negotiations depend heavily on Israel's response to ongoing mediation efforts, particularly concerning hostages taken during the conflict. Netanyahu has acknowledged the need for immediate discussions to resolve the hostage situation while emphasizing Israel's demand that the war ends on its terms. However, uncertainty looms regarding the willingness of various parties, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, to return to negotiations following Hamas's conditional offer to release hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities.
Amidst the crisis, protests have occurred in Israel, most notably against the far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who faces pressure from families of hostages advocating for negotiations. Protests reflect an increasing tension within Israel regarding the approach to the ongoing war and its humanitarian impact.
