In a series of deadly airstrikes, Israel killed 36 Palestinians on Thursday, targeting what Israel’s military claims were Hamas militants interfering with humanitarian aid deliveries. The devastating air raids on Gaza, which hit the southern areas of Rafah and Khan Younis, have sparked outrage and raised urgent concerns about the fate of Gaza’s civilian population.
These attacks, including the killing of 13 people in two separate strikes, have been condemned by humanitarian organizations and local authorities. Israel claims these airstrikes were aimed at preventing Hamas from hijacking vital aid shipments. However, Gaza’s medics and Hamas officials argue that many of the victims were part of the security forces tasked with protecting aid trucks.
The tragic events on Thursday bring the death toll in Gaza to staggering new heights, raising critical questions about Israel’s ongoing military operations and their impact on civilians in Gaza, which is already facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
The Assault on Humanitarian Aid Routes
The Israeli military claims that the airstrikes targeted Hamas militants who were attempting to hijack aid shipments. Humanitarian aid is crucial for Gaza, where food, water, and medical supplies are in desperately short supply due to Israel’s ongoing blockade and military operations since October 7, 2023. The region has faced a humanitarian catastrophe, with nearly all of its 2.3 million residents displaced and vast swathes of infrastructure destroyed.
Israel’s claim that Hamas militants were attempting to hijack aid shipments is based on reports that armed gangs have increasingly targeted trucks carrying essential supplies. Hamas, in response, has formed special task forces to protect these shipments and stop looting by criminal gangs.
The escalating violence surrounding aid deliveries highlights a stark reality: the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the already fragile supply chains, leaving many civilians without access to food and medical care. The situation is further complicated by Israel’s claim that its airstrikes were designed to protect aid, while humanitarian agencies argue that these actions exacerbate the suffering of innocent people caught in the crossfire.
Casualties in the Airstrikes: 36 Palestinians Dead
The violence on Thursday led to the death of 36 Palestinians across Gaza, including in Rafah, Khan Younis, Gaza City, and the central Gaza Strip. The situation in Gaza City remains particularly dire, where an airstrike killed seven people, including children, in a residential building in the al-Jalaa area.
Medics and health authorities continue to report mounting casualties as Israeli forces conduct airstrikes in residential areas. The killing of at least 700 police officers tasked with securing aid routes since the war’s escalation underscores the extreme risk faced by anyone trying to help deliver vital resources.
Israel’s Justification: Ensuring Safe Aid Delivery
In an official statement, Israel’s military justified the strikes as a necessary measure to protect aid shipments and prevent Hamas from hijacking trucks. The Israeli military alleged that the militants were attempting to seize humanitarian supplies to advance terrorist activities.
However, Hamas has accused Israel of deliberately targeting the humanitarian infrastructure to create chaos and prevent aid from reaching civilians in need. Over the past few months, armed gangs have hijacked multiple aid trucks, raising tensions between local security forces and Israeli military actions. With Israel’s bombing campaigns intensifying, aid workers and those tasked with securing aid convoys are at significant risk.
The war, which has already led to 44,800 deaths in Gaza, continues to fuel an even more profound crisis of hunger, disease, and displacement. This has prompted widespread international calls for a ceasefire and the delivery of aid without interference.
Gaza Health Crisis: Attacks on Medical Personnel
As the death toll mounts, Gaza’s healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties. At least 1,057 healthcare workers have been killed since the war began in October. Among the victims was Dr. Saeed Judeh, an orthopedic surgeon, who was shot by Israeli forces while on his way to treat patients at Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia. His death highlights the significant dangers faced by medical professionals working in Gaza, where medical facilities are under heavy strain.
Despite the intense focus on military strikes, the healthcare crisis is rapidly becoming one of the war’s most devastating consequences. Hospitals and clinics are operating under extreme conditions, with shortages of medical supplies and staff due to ongoing bombardments.
The Escalating Conflict: Impact on Civilians
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel in early October 2023, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and took roughly 250 hostages, the conflict has escalated dramatically. Israel’s military response has seen continued airstrikes and artillery bombardments, particularly in Gaza’s northern areas, including the Jabalia refugee camp.
In addition to airstrikes, Israel has ordered evacuations in Gaza City, citing recent rocket launches as a justification for further military operations. The evacuation orders have caused even more displacement within Gaza, as civilians try to find safer areas amid the constant threat of bombings.
International Response: Calls for Ceasefire
The United Nations General Assembly has demanded an immediate ceasefire, with overwhelming support for the resolution calling for unconditional and permanent peace between Israel and Hamas. The demand for a ceasefire is urgent, as humanitarian groups continue to warn that the region’s civilians are facing an existential crisis. Countries such as Egypt and Qatar, along with the United States, have attempted to mediate a ceasefire agreement, but these efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
Both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Israel insisting on security from Hamas attacks, while Hamas demands the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
The Ongoing Toll on Gaza
The death toll in Gaza is devastating. In addition to the 44,800 deaths caused by Israeli airstrikes, over 44% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. This displacement has created a humanitarian emergency, with families living in overcrowded shelters and at high risk of disease and starvation.
As the war continues, global pressure for a ceasefire intensifies, but the chances of a peaceful resolution remain uncertain. The humanitarian toll on Gaza’s population will likely continue to rise unless effective measures to protect civilians and ensure aid delivery are put in place.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains dire. With Israel killing 36 Palestinians in a single day while targeting humanitarian aid routes, the conflict shows no sign of abating. For civilians in Gaza, the struggle to survive amid airstrikes and a crumbling healthcare system has reached a new level of desperation.
The international community must continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the safety of civilians and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
- Israel’s Military Operations in Gaza
- Palestinian Health Crisis
- UN Calls for Ceasefire
- Impact of War on Gaza Civilians
Photo credit: Hindustan Times
