GAZA: At least 61 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed in overnight relentless Israeli bombardment, the health ministry in the besieged Gaza Strip said Sunday. The deadly strikes come as Israel was preparing to send negotiators to new truce talks in Qatar.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s office announced that the security cabinet and a smaller war cabinet are set to meet to determine the mandate of the delegation responsible for negotiations in Doha. While the timing of the delegation’s departure remains unspecified, talks are expected to address a new proposal submitted by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, which includes a pause in fighting and the release of hostages.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate after more than five months of Israeli bombardment and a crippling siege. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine for the 2.4 million Palestinian residents of the coastal territory. Aid shipments have been impeded, with a second ship set to depart from Cyprus to alleviate the dire conditions.
Looming Famine in Gaza Amid Israeli Bombardment and Siege
Despite efforts to access aid, difficulties continued, particularly in north Gaza where residents are resorting to consuming animal fodder due to food shortages. Reports of Israeli shelling in various parts of the territory further exacerbate the crisis, with the health ministry confirming the deaths of 12 members of a single Palestinian family in Deir al-Balah.
Most displaced Gazans have sought refuge in Rafah near the Egyptian border, where Israel has threatened a potential ground offensive. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has appealed to Israel to refrain from such action, emphasizing the lack of safe havens for innocent Palestinian civilians in the region.
The escalating violence has prompted international concern, with calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. Criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict has grown, particularly from the United States, which has urged Israel to prioritize the protection of Palestinian civilians.
As the situation in Gaza reaches a critical point, medical facilities struggle to cope with the influx of patients and shortages of essential medications. Dr. Samar Gregea, a physician at a clinic in Rafah, highlights the urgent need for pediatric medicines and nutritional support for malnourished children, underscoring the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.
