Israeli airstrikes and shootings in Gaza's Khan Younis and
northern areas killed at least 25 Palestinians, including many women and
children, amid a famine declaration for Gaza City by the world's leading food
crisis authority. The announcement intensifies global calls for a halt to
Israel's 22-month offensive while Israel prepares for a major ground operation
in Gaza City.
Israeli Strikes Cause Multiple Deaths in Gaza
As reported by Arab News, Palestinians sheltering in tents or seeking scarce food aid in Gaza were among at least 25 people killed Saturday by Israeli strikes and shootings, according to local hospitals. The fatalities occurred primarily in Khan Younis and northern Gaza regions, with more than half the casualties being women and children. Awad Abu Agala, uncle to two of the children killed, told The Associated Press (AP) that
"no place in Gaza is now safe... The entire Gaza Strip is being bombed ... In the south. In the north. Everywhere.”
The children were targeted overnight while in
their tents, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians in the region.
Hekmat Foujo, a grieving relative, pleaded for mercy, saying through tears,
"We want to rest. Have some mercy on us.”
Palestinian
hospitals confirmed the arrival of new dead and wounded victims from these
strikes.
Israeli Gunfire Kills Aid Seekers Near Border
In northern Gaza near the Zikim crossing with Israel, at
least five Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid were reportedly killed by
Israeli gunfire. This crossing is a critical entry point for United Nations and
other international aid convoys. Health officials from Sheikh Radwan field
hospital described the victims as aid-seekers, while further attacks across
Gaza brought the total number of deaths to 25 on the day.
International Authority Declares Famine in Gaza City
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the
world’s leading authority on food crises, officially declared Gaza City as
gripped by famine in a rare announcement for the Middle East region. The IPC
warned that if current fighting and restrictions on humanitarian aid continue,
famine would likely spread further. Nearly half a million people, approximately
one-quarter of Gaza's population, are facing catastrophic hunger, with many at
risk of death. The famine has been exacerbated by widespread displacement and
the collapse of food production in the enclave.
Aid Efforts and Israeli Restrictions
Israel, which imposed a 2.5-month blockade on Gaza earlier
this year, recently eased some restrictions, allowing aid to enter mainly
through a US-backed private aid supplier, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
(GHF). Despite these measures, UN and humanitarian groups continue to report
that the volume of food reaching Gaza is insufficient to meet the critical
needs of the population. Journalists have reported chaos and security
challenges on routes to aid delivery points, including incidents of Israeli
troops firing warning shots at aid-seekers who approach too closely or pose
perceived threats.
In response to the famine declaration, Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denounced the IPC report as “an outright
lie,” instead accusing Hamas of starving the hostages held by the militant
group. Netanyahu's government insists it has allowed sufficient aid to enter
Gaza during ongoing military operations.
Escalating Preparations for Gaza City Offensive
The Israeli military is advancing preparations for a
large-scale ground offensive to seize Gaza City, where Hamas maintains
strongholds and a network of militant tunnels. Israeli troops are already
reported to be operating in strategic outskirts of the city and in
neighbourhoods such as Zeitoun. Aid organisations, including Doctors Without
Borders (MSF), have reported rising numbers of patients in clinics around Gaza
City, as bombardments continue to force displacement within the city.
MSF stated,
“Strikes are forcing people, including MSF staff, to flee their homes once again, and we are seeing displacement across Gaza City.”
The group's clinics are strained by the influx of wounded civilians
fleeing recent bombardments.
Ceasefire Efforts on Hold
Mediators working toward a ceasefire to forestall the
impending ground offensive have paused efforts, awaiting clear indications from
Israel on the next steps. Israel’s denouncement of the famine declaration
further complicates diplomatic attempts to halt hostilities.
Broader Impact of Food Crisis and Violence
The continuing Israeli blockade and military operations
since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks have worsened the humanitarian crisis in
Gaza. With food scarcity intensifying, civilians face a relentless cycle of
hunger and violence. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has drawn worldwide
attention, raising alarm among governments, aid groups, and international
agencies.
Palestinians displaced within Gaza, many residing in tents
exposed to airstrikes, are among the most vulnerable. The ongoing bombardments
severely restrict movement and access to essential resources, including food
and medical care, compounding the suffering in the enclave.