Israeli Strikes Kill 23 Palestinians as Gaza Hunger Grows/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTOn/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 23 people, including children, as international concern mounts over Israel’s control of aid distribution amid a tightening blockade. A family of five was among those killed in a strike on Gaza City, while a UNRWA warehouse was also hit. The war has now killed over 52,800 Palestinians as humanitarian groups warn of a worsening food crisis.
Gaza Crisis Quick Looks
- At least 23 Palestinians killed overnight by Israeli strikes
- Family of five killed in tent bombing in Gaza City
- UNRWA warehouse hit in Jabaliya, four reported dead
- Israeli troops injured by blast during Gaza City search
- U.N., aid groups reject new Israeli aid distribution plans
- Food kitchens shut down as blockade starves Gaza
- Over 52,800 Palestinians killed since war began in 2023
- Israel cites hostage pressure; critics call it ‘starvation tactic’
- No evidence of aid diversion, U.N. insists
- Israel vows to destroy Hamas after October 7 attack
Deep Look
Israeli Airstrikes Kill 23 in Gaza as Aid Crisis Deepens
DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA — At least 23 Palestinians, including three children and their parents, were killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza from Friday night into Saturday, Gaza health officials reported. The overnight attacks targeted multiple locations, including civilian shelters and a United Nations warehouse, amid growing international alarm over Israel’s control of humanitarian aid distribution.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that the family of five was killed when their tent was bombed in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. The blast left behind a trail of debris and grief as emergency workers pulled bodies from the wreckage.
Another strike targeted a UNRWA warehouse in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, where four people were killed. The building, which had been empty due to repeated raids during earlier Israeli ground operations, was seen engulfed in flames in Associated Press footage.
Ground Offensive Intensifies, Troops Injured
Israeli forces continue their aggressive push across Gaza, with the military confirming that nine soldiers were lightly wounded by an explosive device in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah district. The soldiers were airlifted to hospitals in Israel, the army said.
Israel resumed its aerial and ground assault on Gaza on March 18, effectively ending a two-month ceasefire. The military claims to have seized more than half of the territory and is continuing operations in both northern Gaza and Rafah, the southernmost city. Both areas have been left in ruins after months of bombardment.
Aid Blockade Fuels Starvation and Outrage
The bombardments come as international criticism escalates over Israel’s tightening blockade, now in its third month. The blockade has devastated access to basic food and medical supplies, forcing charity kitchens to shut down en masse due to lack of ingredients. Humanitarian groups warn that more closures are imminent.
Under a controversial new plan, a group called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, made up of U.S. contractors and ex-military officials, aims to control aid distribution. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have rejected this model, warning it could worsen conditions and violate international humanitarian law.
Israel justifies the blockade by claiming it is pressuring Hamas to release remaining hostages and disarm. However, rights groups have labeled the strategy a “starvation tactic” and potential war crime.
Heavy Death Toll and Humanitarian Catastrophe
The 19-month-long war has become the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hamas in history. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 52,800 Palestinians have been killed, with over 119,000 injured—the majority women and children. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Israel, which has not provided verifiable evidence, claims to have killed thousands of militants.
The war began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of over 250 others. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas still holds 59 hostages, of whom only a third are believed to be alive.
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