At least 31 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed by Israeli airstrikes across Gaza Strip on Tuesday as international aid groups warned of an intensifying humanitarian crisis caused by an ongoing blockade that has led to malnourishment and starvation among children living there.
According to Gaza Health Ministry reports, recent attacks targeted residential neighborhoods in central and southern Gaza where displaced families had sought refuge. Local hospitals, already overburdened and under-equipped with limited medical resources, reported an influx of casualties ranging from blast injuries, burns, and shrapnel wounds among them.
Eyewitnesses have described scenes of chaos and destruction. Mother of four Huda Al-Sabbagh of Deir al-Balah described pulling injured children out with their own hands; hearing their cries echo through the neighborhood was unnerving. Screams from children could be heard everywhere – these statements from witnesses captured perfectly the essence of horror that overwhelmed Deir al-Balah that day.
Israeli officials claimed the strikes targeted Hamas infrastructure and militant hideouts, maintaining that Hamas uses civilian areas as shields when operating within them. Palestinian officials and human rights monitors, however, accuse Israel of conducting indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of Gaza’s population.
Israel has continued its blockade of aid shipments into Gaza, deepening its humanitarian crisis. UNRWA reported that over 70% of Gazans now lack secure food supplies while one out of every three children under five are acutely malnourished.
“The situation is dire; children are dying not just from bombs but hunger and disease as well,” stated Juliette Touma, UNRWA Communications Director. She added: “Food trucks are being delayed, blocked, or turned back; this is manmade famine being created.”
Although global pressure continues to mount, efforts to deliver aid remain stagnant. Talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US have so far failed to produce an agreement that provides humanitarian corridors. Furthermore, Gaza’s borders remain tightly sealed; aid convoys allowed into Gaza cannot meet urgent needs.
On Tuesday, the World Health Organization called for immediate and unrestricted access to Gaza. “We must deliver medical supplies and food directly to people immediately – any delay could cost lives,” stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Israel’s government maintains that military action taken after Hamas’ October 7 attacks is necessary for national security; yet international criticism has increased and calls have been issued for restraint and accountability from their actions.
Humanitarian groups warn that Gaza stands on the precipice of an immense catastrophe, one which may leave its mark for decades to come. As deaths mount and hunger worsens, humanitarian organizations warn of an impending generational disaster which may leave lasting scars upon its inhabitants and region alike.