At least 100 Palestinians were killed across Gaza in a single night due to intensified Israeli airstrikes, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The strikes are part of a broader Israeli military strategy to gain operational control over specific areas of Gaza, with no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding the latest attacks.
Entire families have reportedly been wiped out, and destruction has been widespread, prompting severe humanitarian concerns as Israel continues its military campaign, which began in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli territory.
Gaza Blockade Deepens Crisis as Ceasefire Talks Stall Amid Mounting Humanitarian Emergency
Israel has enforced a strict blockade on Gaza since March, blocking essential supplies like food, fuel, and medical aid to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages. This blockade has crippled Gaza’s already struggling healthcare system and intensified hunger among the population. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reports that 75% of its ambulances are now inoperable due to fuel shortages, warning of a total halt in emergency operations within 72 hours unless fuel access is restored.
Mediated by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. backing, a new round of indirect ceasefire negotiations began over the weekend, but no significant progress has been reported. Hamas has proposed releasing half of its hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israeli officials remain firm on their position, demanding hostage release without agreeing to end the war. This deadlock, combined with unverified reports that senior Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar may have been killed, adds further uncertainty to the negotiations.
Journalists, Civilians Killed as Gaza Strikes Draw Global Outcry and Political Pressure
Among the numerous casualties from recent strikes were five journalists and Zakaria Al-Sinwar, a university lecturer and brother of a former Hamas chief. Strikes have hit refugee encampments, including one in Khan Younis, killing women and children and setting tents ablaze.
These events have drawn harsh criticism from Hamas, which holds the U.S. partly responsible for the escalation. The targeting of non-combatants and medical infrastructure has sparked fresh accusations of war crimes and fueled international outcry over the scale of destruction and suffering.
Internally, pressure is also mounting on Israeli leadership. Families of hostages, like Einav Zangauker, accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing political interests over securing the release of the remaining hostages. The ongoing conflict has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population, with health authorities reporting over 53,000 deaths since the conflict began.
Hospitals, such as the Indonesian Hospital and Shifa Hospital, are overwhelmed or non-functional, reflecting the catastrophic toll of Israel’s military campaign and the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.