Israeli airstrikes kill over 60 Palestinians amid dire humanitarian crisis
- Overnight airstrikes in Gaza have led to the deaths of at least 62 Palestinians, mostly in Khan Younis.
- Local hospitals are reporting overwhelming numbers of casualties amid claims that civilian shelters have been targeted.
- International organizations are raising alarms over the dire humanitarian situation and potential violations of international law.
In Gaza, a series of overnight Israeli airstrikes have resulted in numerous casualties, particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis. Local hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed with the influx of injured individuals, including women and children. Eyewitnesses report that many of the strikes have targeted residential homes and makeshift shelters where displaced families are taking refuge, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the territory. According to reports from the Hamas-run health ministry, the total death toll has risen to at least 62 following 12 airstrikes carried out since midnight. These actions come amid allegations that Hamas has been using civilian structures for military purposes. However, local authorities and aid organizations contend that these strikes have primarily affected innocent civilians seeking safety from the ongoing violence. The situation has prompted international condemnation and raised concerns over potential violations of humanitarian laws. In response to the escalating violence, many residents in Gaza are experiencing extreme food shortages and deteriorating health conditions. The United Nations estimates that about 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced during this conflict, with aid deliveries severely hampered by the ongoing blockade. Many families report only being able to access enough food for one meal per day, highlighting the dire conditions that have arisen as a result of the conflict's protraction and the humanitarian blockade imposed by Israel since March. The Israeli government has insisted that military pressure is necessary to compel Hamas to release hostages. Despite claims of sufficient aid availability by Israeli officials, aid organizations assert that the blockade and strikes not only contravene international law but also pose a critical risk to the lives of the Palestinian population. As casualties continue to mount and displacement rises, the humanitarian crisis deepens, raising urgent calls for intervention and relief efforts to address the plight of those affected by the ongoing violence in Gaza.