Two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including women and children, according to Palestinian medical officials. The strikes occurred as Israel delivered aid to the war-torn northern part of Gaza, marking the first aid delivery in weeks. One of the strikes hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City’s Tufah neighborhood, killing six people, including two local journalists, a pregnant woman, and a child. The second strike hit a tent in Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including two women and a child.
COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for humanitarian aid to Gaza, confirmed that 11 aid trucks containing food, water, and medical supplies reached the far north of the enclave, including the Jabaliya refugee camp. This aid delivery comes ahead of a U.S. deadline calling for improved aid distribution across Gaza, as experts warn of an impending famine in northern Gaza. Israel’s recent military campaign has focused on areas like Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, targeting Hamas forces that have regrouped in these densely populated regions.
Since the conflict began, the Israeli military has struck several schools and tent camps in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli offensives and evacuation orders. The UN estimates that tens of thousands of people remain in the affected areas, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting a lack of emergency services in the northern regions. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of operating from civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, contributing to the ongoing conflict and devastation in Gaza.
In July, Israeli airstrikes hit a girls’ school in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people sheltering inside. Israel claims it targeted a Hamas command center that housed weapons and directed attacks against its troops. The prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of over 43,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials. While the officials do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, they report that more than half of those killed were women and children. The conflict began in 2023 when Palestinian militants infiltrated Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and abductions.
The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlight the urgent need for international aid and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the root causes of the conflict. The civilian population, particularly women and children, continue to bear the brunt of the violence and displacement caused by the conflict. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law to prevent further loss of life and suffering in Gaza. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community must step up its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and support peace negotiations to end the cycle of violence in the region.
