Why it matters:
Israel’s months-long war in Gaza has resulted in catastrophic civilian losses. The continued escalation — through air raids, ground incursions, and the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon — raises alarm over potential war crimes and further humanitarian collapse.
The big picture:
Since October 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 64,964 Palestinians and wounded more than 165,312, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Thousands more are feared buried under rubble.
Key points:
78 Palestinians were killed today in Gaza, most in Gaza City amid an expanded ground assault and repeated Israeli forced displacement orders.
Three additional deaths were reported due to starvation caused by the blockade.
Gaza residents describe the bombardment as “unrelenting” and “indiscriminate.”
State of play:
The Israeli military has escalated operations in Gaza City, targeting densely populated neighborhoods. The Israeli-imposed blockade and food shortages continue to deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Between the lines:
Human rights organizations warn that the combined effect of bombardment, siege, and starvation amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population — a violation of international law.
Go deeper:
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