Escalating Military Offensive
Israeli forces launched massive airstrikes and ground operations across Gaza overnight, with Deir al-Balah—central Gaza’s last functional humanitarian hub—now under direct assault. Tanks advanced into southern and eastern districts after Israel ordered 50,000–80,000 civilians to evacuate.
Witnesses reported drone strikes "packed with nails and shrapnel" targeting crowds. Medics confirmed at least 130 Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours.
This offensive defies international ceasefire efforts and comes despite Hebrew media reports that Hamas was nearing agreement on a truce. The UN states 87.8% of Gaza is now under Israeli evacuation orders, compressing 2.1 million people into just 12% of the territory.
Humanitarian Catastrophe: Starvation Deaths Surge
101 Palestinians have died of starvation—including 80 children—according to Gaza health authorities. In just 24 hours, 19 deaths were reported at Al-Aqsa Hospital alone, where staff say they are "physically unable to work due to extreme hunger."
A coalition of 109 aid agencies—including MSF, Save the Children, and Oxfam—warned of “mass starvation spreading across Gaza.” They accuse Israel of blocking access to vital aid stockpiled inside and outside Gaza.
- Only 28 trucks/day are entering Gaza, far below the 600 needed.
- Israel claims aid is inside Gaza, but agencies say they are barred from accessing it.
- “Survival is dangled like a mirage,” said the joint statement.
Aid Workers Targeted; Hospitals Crippled
Israeli forces detained Dr. Marwan Al-Hams, head of Gaza’s field hospitals. A nearby raid killed a journalist and injured a civilian. At hospitals like Al-Aqsa, even baby formula and basic medications are no longer available.
The World Food Programme condemned the killing of 85 Palestinians waiting for flour near an aid convoy. Israel admitted to firing "warning shots" but disputed death figures.
International Response
- U.S. Envoy: Steve Witkoff is in Europe for ceasefire talks.
- UN Vote: The General Assembly demanded Israel end occupation within a year, citing the ICJ.
- 28 Nations: including the UK, condemned Israel's aid blockade and civilian killings.
💬 Voices from Gaza
“This death and suffering is preventable. And if it’s preventable but still happening, that suggests it’s intentional.”
— Jonathan Whittall, UN humanitarian coordinator in Deir al-Balah
By the Numbers
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Starvation deaths | 101 (80 children) |
| Killed seeking aid | 1,000+ since May |
| Total Palestinian deaths | Approx. 59,029 |
| Gaza under evacuation orders | 87.8% |
Outlook
With ceasefire talks at a standstill, humanitarian groups warn that Gaza’s survival depends on reopening border crossings and restoring aid operations. A medic at Al-Aqsa pleaded:
“We’ve suffered enough. Either strike us with a nuclear bomb and end it all, or wake the world’s conscience.”
Stay with WSN 024 for updates as this story develops.
Image: Aid seekers and emergency medics in central Gaza. [Source: AP/EPA/Reuters – as available]