DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza City (AP) — Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians, including three children and their parents from a family of five whose tent was bombed in Gaza City, according to health officials. The ongoing bombardment shows no sign of abatement as international concern intensifies regarding Israel's plans to control aid distribution in Gaza, which remains under blockade as it enters its third month.
The United Nations and various aid organizations have expressed disapproval of Israel's proposed aid distribution strategy. This includes a controversial plan put forth by a group known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which comprises American security contractors, ex-military officers, and humanitarian aid officials. Palestinian officials have been vocal about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the closure of food charity kitchens has become commonplace, contributing to increased food scarcity among the 2 million residents of the territory.
The Health Ministry reported that among the bodies taken to hospitals over the last 24 hours were those of the aforementioned family of five from the Sabra district of Gaza City. Another strike late Friday impacted a warehouse belonging to UNRWA, the U.N. agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees, resulting in four fatalities according to reports from the Indonesian Hospital, where the deceased were taken. Residents noted that the warehouse had been previously attacked and emptied multiple times during the past year of Israeli offensives against Hamas.
On March 18, Israel recommenced its bombardment of Gaza, effectively breaking a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Ground troop operations have extended throughout much of northern Gaza and the city of Rafah, with significant portions of these areas devastated following months of military actions. According to aid organizations, the blockade has been labeled a "starvation tactic," with human rights advocates describing it as a potential war crime.
Israel asserts that it has been effectively targeting Hamas militants; however, it has not provided substantial evidence to support claims of aid diversion by the militant group. While the U.N. claims it closely monitors aid distribution, various rights groups have raised alarms regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding amidst the violence.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in unprecedented devastation in Gaza, with the Health Ministry estimating that more than 52,800 individuals have lost their lives, over half of whom were women and children. Additionally, over 119,000 have been reported wounded, with no clear distinction made between combatants and civilians. Israel, on its part, claims to have killed thousands of militants but has not disclosed detailed figures or evidence.
The conflict's roots trace back to the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, alongside the abduction of over 250 hostages. Currently, it is reported that Hamas still retains about 59 hostages, with an estimated third believed to be alive.
Adding to the tension, a video released by Hamas on Saturday depicted hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana appearing under duress. They were captured during the October 7 attack at a music festival, which resulted in over 300 fatalities. This release follows several previous videos featuring Bohbot alone.
In Tel Aviv, protesters gathered on Saturday night, calling for a ceasefire while demanding the return of all hostages. Michel Illouz, the father of hostage Guy Illouz, spoke out against the impending military operations planned by the Israeli government, stressing that these actions could jeopardize the safety of the hostages. The gathering reflected growing public concern regarding the escalating situation in Gaza.
