Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 78 Palestinians in various locations across Gaza on Monday, as reported by local health authorities. The casualties included a newborn baby delivered through a complex surgery after the pregnant mother, seven months along, was killed in an airstrike, according to Nasser Hospital.
Numerous individuals lost their lives while attempting to obtain food, despite Israel’s efforts to relax aid restrictions. Israel declared a temporary halt to operations in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and al-Mawasi for 10 hours daily to facilitate improved aid flow to Palestinians in Gaza, where concerns about hunger have escalated. The country also designated secure routes for aid distribution while continuing military operations concurrently.
Aid agencies have appreciated the new aid initiatives, including the allowance for airdrops into Gaza, but have stressed that more needs to be done to address the escalating hunger crisis in the region. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that as of Monday, at least 14 individuals perished due to starvation and malnutrition within the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll from hunger-related causes to 147, including 89 children, with most deaths occurring in recent weeks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuted claims of starvation in Gaza, stating that humanitarian aid continues to enter the territory throughout the conflict. However, disturbing images of malnourished children have sparked global condemnation, even from Israel’s allies. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disagreement with Netanyahu’s assertion, citing the distressing visuals of undernourished individuals.
The need for a sustained and increased aid supply to combat the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza was emphasized by UN agencies. The World Food Program (WFP) highlighted the necessity for a more substantial aid volume, noting that the current aid dispatch fell short of Gaza’s requirements. Almost 470,000 individuals in Gaza are facing famine-like conditions, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of specialized nutritional support.
While welcoming Israel’s initial steps to expand aid delivery channels in Gaza, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for further enhancements. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump pledged to collaborate with other nations to provide additional humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including food and sanitation facilities, emphasizing the establishment of accessible food centers without restrictions.
The escalating crisis in Gaza has drawn international attention, with France urging the European Union to pressure Israel for a two-state solution with the Palestinians. Amidst mounting casualties near aid centers, the situation remains dire, with many Palestinians risking their lives to access essential supplies. Israeli retaliatory measures have resulted in significant casualties, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.