In the last 24 hours, at least 40 Palestinians have died due to Israeli gunfire and airstrikes in Gaza, including 10 people who were seeking aid. Additionally, five individuals succumbed to starvation or malnutrition, as reported by Gaza’s health authorities. This surge in fatalities raises the total number of deaths from hunger in the region to 180, with 93 children among the victims, since the onset of the conflict. International humanitarian agencies continue to express concerns that the situation may lead to an unfolding famine.
Local medics indicated that the ten individuals who died while seeking assistance were at two separate sites managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in central and southern Gaza. According to the United Nations, over 1,000 people have been killed while attempting to receive aid since the GHF began its operations in May 2025, with the majority of these casualties caused by Israeli forces stationed near GHF locations. “Everyone who goes there comes back either with a bag of flour or carried back (on a stretcher) as a martyr, or injured. No one comes back safe,” stated Bilal Thari, a 40-year-old Palestinian who was among the mourners at Gaza City’s al Shifa hospital.
Israeli Leadership Considers Next Steps
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to convene his security cabinet this week to discuss military strategies in Gaza. The objectives include defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. During a recent visit, Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, shared that he is collaborating with the Israeli government on a potential plan to bring an end to the conflict.
Despite these discussions, Israeli officials have suggested expanding military operations in Gaza and even contemplating the annexation of parts of the territory. Reports from Israeli Channel 12 indicate that Netanyahu is leaning towards intensifying the offensive and potentially seizing the entire Palestinian enclave. While there has been no official confirmation of this strategy, the Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry condemned what it labeled as a “leaked” plan, calling for international intervention to prevent further military occupation.
Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The bombardment of Gaza has intensified since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, including an estimated 30 children, and the abduction of over 200 hostages. As of now, the health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 60,430 people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict.
The October 7 attack marked a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Efforts for a ceasefire, particularly discussions held in Doha aimed at establishing a 60-day truce, have failed to materialize. The proposed truce included provisions for humanitarian aid delivery and the release of a portion of the hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, the need for international attention and support becomes increasingly urgent. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with casualties rising and the potential for famine looming large. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.
