DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza City (AP) — Health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight and into Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians, including three children and their parents who were killed when their tent was bombed in Gaza City. The ongoing bombardment has raised international concerns about Israeli efforts to control aid distribution in Gaza, where a blockade affecting over 2 million people has been in place for three months.
The United Nations and aid organizations have opposed Israel’s aid distribution measures, including a proposal by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, comprised of American security contractors, ex-military officers, and humanitarian aid officials. Among the casualties from the past 24 hours were the five members of a family whose tent was struck in Gaza City’s Sabra district, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike late Friday targeted a warehouse belonging to UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, in Jabaliya. Four individuals were killed in the attack, according to the Indonesian Hospital where the bodies were taken. Video footage captured fires burning in the damaged building, which had been previously targeted during Israeli military operations against Hamas fighters.
Israel’s military disclosed that nine soldiers sustained minor injuries Friday night from an explosive device while conducting searches in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood. They were evacuated for treatment in Israel. The Israeli bombardment in Gaza resumed on March 18, breaking a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Israeli forces have seized control of more than half of the territory and are engaged in operations in northern Gaza and the city of Rafah. Much of these areas have been heavily impacted by Israeli military actions.
With charity kitchens being one of the few remaining sources of food in Gaza due to the blockade, the closures of several facilities are anticipated as food supplies dwindle. Israel defends the blockade as a means to pressure Hamas to release hostages and disarm, while critics view it as a tactic of starvation and a potential war crime. Israel accuses Hamas and other groups of misusing aid, although the U.N. has denied significant diversion of resources.
The conflict in Gaza, now in its 19th month, has resulted in a devastating toll, claiming over 52,800 lives, with more than half being women and children, and leaving over 119,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel claims to have targeted numerous militants without providing concrete evidence. Following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by militants in southern Israel, which led to the deaths of around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and the kidnapping of over 250 others, Israel has pledged to eradicate Hamas, who still hold approximately 59 hostages, with some believed to be alive.
Stay updated on the latest developments in the conflict by following AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
