Why it matters:
The conflict has devastated Gaza, with over 54,800 Palestinians killed since the war began in early October 2023. The latest attacks coincide with Eid al-Adha, the Muslim festival marking the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (PBUH).
Official statements:
Gaza Health Ministry said that 95 bodies were brought to hospitals in the last 48 hours, while 304 people were injured, taking the total number of injuries in the Israeli onslaught to 125,834.
“Many victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added.
In Rafah, a Civil Defense Spokesperson, Mahmud Bassal, reported that six civilians were killed near the Al-Alam roundabout in Rafah when Israeli forces opened fire on crowds seeking humanitarian aid. The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating the incident and denies targeting civilians.
Key developments:
- Eight civilians were fatally shot near a US-backed aid distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza.
- Seven individuals lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
- Three people, including relatives of a journalist, were killed in an Israeli strike on a residential building in northern Gaza.
- Multiple residential buildings and shelters have been targeted, with casualties reported in Khan Younis and Jabalia.
The broader context:
Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with famine worsening and aid access severely restricted.
The United Nations has warned that the entire population is at risk of starvation. Meanwhile, international condemnation of U.S.-backed Israeli genocide in the besieged territory is intensifying.
What’s next:
- The Israeli Military is conducting an internal review regarding civilian casualties near aid centers.
- Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled despite growing international pressure.
- Humanitarian organizations are urging increased aid access, as the blockade on Gaza persists.
Go Deeper:
Death Toll in Gaza Reaches 54,677 as Israeli Strikes Continue
Maryam Abolbagha
