Israeli Strikes in Gaza: Over 60,000 Deaths and Rising Starvation Crisis
In a continuing escalation of the conflict in Gaza, Israeli strikes have resulted in a shocking death toll of more than 60,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry12. On a single day, over 100 Palestinians were killed34, while starvation-related fatalities have also been on the rise3.
Escalating Crisis
The conflict in Gaza, which according to Al-Quds News Network, has been ongoing since October 20232, has led to a significant rise in deaths and injuries. Over 18,500 children have been killed since the beginning of the conflict5, and over 146,000 people have been injured4.
In addition to the fatalities resulting directly from the strikes, the blockade by Israel has led to a severe food crisis. On one day, ten Palestinians died from malnutrition or hunger, bringing the total famine-related deaths to 1113. The UN and international figures have made demands to Israel to protect civilian lives and allow aid into Gaza6.
Key Developments
Middle East Eye reported that Israeli attacks killed at least 12 Palestinians across Gaza at dawn7, with the death toll later rising to 168. The victims included six aid seekers shot by Israeli forces near aid centres north of Rafah7, and at least 13 people seeking aid8.
In a separate incident, three Palestinians, including a photojournalist, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City9. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that an Israeli strike killed at least three Hamas operatives, a journalist, an artist, and two friends reconciling after a fight10.
International Reaction
On the international stage, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the situation, calling the death of Palestinians due to lack of food and water unacceptable6. In addition, Brazil reportedly plans to support South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide3.
However, Israeli officials and ministers have been attempting to deflect blame for the starvation and killing of Palestinian civilians1. They have either denied that Palestinians are being affected by hunger or have said that it is not Israel’s fault, blaming Hamas or the UN and aid organizations instead1.
Conclusion
As the conflict continues with no end in sight, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening. Despite the global outcry, Israel's offensive continues, leading to a rise in both direct fatalities from strikes and indirect deaths due to the growing hunger crisis11.