At Least 116 Palestinians Killed Amid Israeli Strikes on Gaza and Naval Blockade

Despite ongoing negotiations, Israeli military aggression against Gaza shows no signs of abating. Continuous Israeli strikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 116 Palestinians, including children, women, and entire families, according to reports.

Qatari media sources confirm that Israeli forces targeted tents housing displaced people, residential homes, and aid centers. In southern Khan Yunis, near Bani Suheila, the bodies of four individuals were recovered following attacks, while a drone strike on a tent in Khan Yunis killed one person. In central Gaza’s Al-Zawayda area, an airstrike destroyed a residential house, killing Colonel Omar Saeed Aqel, director of Nusirat police, along with 11 members of his family.

Further airstrikes hit multiple areas within Gaza City, including Zeitoun and Tel al-Hawa, resulting in additional casualties. Shelling in the Jabaliya region also caused deaths. Meanwhile, the Israeli navy shot and wounded three Palestinian fishermen before arresting them.

Since 2007, Israel has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza, which has been tightened further following the onset of the 2023 conflict.

Infant Dies from Starvation Amid Blockade

Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, reported the death of a 35-day-old infant due to hunger caused by famine and the ongoing blockade. Two additional patients have also died from starvation in the hospital. The Gaza Ministry of Health states that 17,000 children suffer from severe malnutrition, and hospitals are operating well beyond normal capacity.

38 Palestinians Killed Near Aid Centers

Thirty-eight Palestinians were killed by gunfire near aid centers run by the US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. These incidents took place near aid locations southwest of Khan Yunis and northwest of Rafah. Gaza’s Civil Defense Agency attributes the deaths to Israeli gunfire, while the Israeli military has pledged to investigate.

International Warnings & Calls for Aid Access

Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, warned that Palestinians face the brink of famine. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, rejected optimistic statements from the EU, emphasizing that no aid trucks have entered Gaza in 142 days.

The UN relief agency confirmed that sufficient food supplies for Gaza’s population exist but remain stuck at the Egyptian border. The UN called on Israel to lift the blockade, open border crossings, and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

Read More: Israeli Airstrikes Target Gaza Aid Centers, Refugee Camps, Killing 94 Palestinians