A man carries the body of Palestinian baby Ahmed Erheem, who medics said was killed in an Israeli strike, in Gaza City, Photo/Reuters
By Daisy Okiring
At least 16 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, with dozens more injured in the south, according to local medics. Residents reported relentless Israeli bombardments on Gaza City suburbs, forcing families to flee their homes toward the coast.
The strikes targeted eastern neighborhoods of Shejaia, Zeitoun, and Sabra, bringing the death toll from Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours to 71, Gaza’s health ministry reported. Israeli officials described Gaza City as Hamas’ final major stronghold, even as international calls mounted urging Israel to avoid a full-scale ground offensive.
Israeli Forces Prepare Ground Seizure
Israel’s military confirmed that its forces continued operations throughout the enclave, striking what it described as “terrorist organizations” and their infrastructure. It reported killing three militants in the past day but provided no details on how they were identified.
Despite mounting global concern, Israeli leaders insist their campaign is necessary to dismantle Hamas, which launched the war with its deadly October 2023 cross-border attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
Dozens Injured Near Aid Sites
In southern Gaza, at least four people were killed and 31 others wounded in Rafah after Israeli forces opened fire, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Most of the patients were admitted with gunshot wounds.
“Patients said they were injured while trying to reach food distribution sites,” a Red Cross spokesperson said. Since May 27, its field hospital in Rafah has treated more than 5,000 weapon-related injuries.
Doctors at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed dozens of new admissions, with many patients suffering gunshot wounds to the upper body. “Most are in critical condition,” said Mohammad Saqer, head of nursing. Survivors reported being shot while attempting to collect food near an aid hub.
Read More: Fresh Russian strikes kill civilians in Ukraine as sanctions Tighten
UN Issues Stark Warning
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Israel’s expanded assault on Gaza City could have “devastating consequences.” He criticized restrictions on aid deliveries, accusing Israel of obstructing humanitarian efforts and worsening starvation.
“Starvation must never be used as a weapon of war,” Guterres said. “No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.”
Israel denied deliberately starving civilians, accusing Hamas of seizing aid and blaming international agencies for failing to distribute supplies effectively.
Malnutrition and Starvation Deaths Rise
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. The health ministry reported that four more people, including two children, died from malnutrition on Thursday, raising the total number of starvation-related deaths to 317 since the war began. Among them were 121 children.
Israel disputes the ministry’s figures and recently demanded that a global hunger monitoring body retract its assessment declaring famine conditions in Gaza City and nearby areas.
Human Toll of the Conflict
According to Gaza health officials, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, most of them women and children. The figures do not specify how many of the dead were combatants.
The Israeli military campaign, aimed at eliminating Hamas, has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced nearly the entire population of two million.
Meanwhile, Hamas leaders have reportedly accepted a ceasefire proposal that includes the release of some hostages. Israel has yet to formally respond, though officials insist any deal must secure the release of all remaining hostages and Hamas’ surrender.
Read More: TICAD9 summit ends with bold commitments to accelerate Africa’s growth
A City on the Brink
As Gaza City braces for a possible ground seizure, residents continue to flee under heavy shelling. With food shortages, widespread destruction, and hospitals overwhelmed, the enclave faces worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
The Israeli government shows no signs of halting its military offensive, while the international community warns that continued escalation could push the crisis beyond repair.
About the Author
