Israeli Strikes Kill 60 in Gaza as Aid Barely Trickles In/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least 60 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, as humanitarian aid remains severely limited. International pressure is mounting for a ceasefire and increased access for food and medicine.
Gaza Strikes and Aid Crisis – Quick Looks
- Casualties Mount: 60 Palestinians killed in 24 hours, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports
- Widespread Strikes: Deadliest areas include Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Jabaliya refugee camp
- Humanitarian Collapse: Minimal aid allowed into Gaza despite warnings of famine
- Global Criticism: France, UK, and Canada threaten action over Israel’s offensive
- US Concerned: Washington urges Israel to address hunger crisis in Gaza
- Israel’s Position: No ceasefire until remaining 58 hostages are released and Hamas disarms
- Al-Awda Hospital Attack: Drone and tank strike caused fires and extensive damage
- Aid Looted: WFP trucks attacked amid desperation; calls for faster, secure aid flow
- New Distribution Plan: Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to manage aid under private security
- Legal Scrutiny: Swiss NGO files complaint over foundation’s armed contractor involvement
- Ceasefire Talks Stalled: Netanyahu recalls delegation from Qatar after no progress
- Death Toll Surges: More than 53,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza offensive
Deep Look: Israeli Airstrikes Kill 60 in Gaza, Minimal Aid Enters Amid Global Outcry
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — At least 60 Palestinians were killed across Gaza in a 24-hour span as Israel continues its military campaign with limited humanitarian aid reaching the population, officials said Friday. The latest casualties, reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, underscore the escalating toll of a conflict entering its third consecutive month with no ceasefire in sight.
Hospitals in Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and the Jabaliya refugee camp received dozens of bodies following Israeli airstrikes. The Nasser, Al-Aqsa, and Al-Ahli hospitals confirmed the fatalities, which include women and children.
Aid Trickle Amid Catastrophe
Israel said Friday it permitted more than 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, delivering flour, food, and medical supplies. But United Nations agencies and humanitarian groups say the figure falls dramatically short of the roughly 600 trucks per day needed during periods of relative calm.
“Hunger and desperation are fueling insecurity,” the World Food Program warned. “We need consistent, large-scale aid entry immediately.”
WFP also reported that 15 of its trucks were looted Thursday night in southern Gaza as chaos and lawlessness intensified.
The aid shortage has been exacerbated by Israel’s restrictions and the breakdown of local governance, leading to further humanitarian deterioration. With Gaza’s 2 million residents at risk of starvation, even the U.S.—a key ally of Israel—has expressed concern over the escalating hunger crisis.
Targeted Infrastructure and Civilian Toll
The strikes followed Thursday’s attack on Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, where Israeli tanks and drones hit the facility, setting parts of it ablaze. Videos from hospital staff show black smoke and rubble surrounding the damaged building.
Despite mounting criticism from allies, including France, Canada, and the UK, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm in his objectives.
“We will continue until Hamas is disarmed and all hostages are returned,” Netanyahu said.
Israel maintains that Hamas still holds 58 Israeli hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive. Officials assert that disarmament and hostage recovery are non-negotiable conditions for ending the offensive.
Global Fallout and Legal Concerns
International fallout intensified after the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. The suspect, who reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans, was charged with murder. Netanyahu condemned the attack and used the occasion to criticize Western leaders for pressuring Israel while “ignoring Hamas.”
As part of an emerging strategy, Israel announced plans for a private humanitarian operation run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The group, registered in Switzerland, will manage aid logistics with the help of armed private contractors.
However, human rights group TRIAL International filed legal submissions in Switzerland demanding government oversight to ensure compliance with international law.
A GHF spokesperson claimed their work follows humanitarian guidelines and operates independently of the Israeli government. They defended the use of private security contractors, citing the difficulty of operating in conflict zones.
Ceasefire Talks in Limbo
Diplomatic talks held in Doha earlier this month failed to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu recalled his main negotiation team after no progress was made.
“There remains a fundamental gap,” Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani acknowledged.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of posturing and using negotiations as a media tool while continuing military operations without compromise.
War Timeline and Human Impact
The war erupted after Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s relentless retaliation has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its reports. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and Gaza’s infrastructure is on the brink of total collapse.
As international appeals for a ceasefire grow louder, the suffering in Gaza continues with no end in sight — and with only modest, insufficient aid reaching those most in need.
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