sraeli Strikes Kill 35 Near Gaza Aid Distribution

At least 35 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to local health officials. Most of the deaths occurred near an aid distribution site run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in central Gaza.

Doctors at Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals reported that 25 people died as they approached the aid site near the former settlement of Netzarim. Dozens more were injured in the attack. People had gathered there to receive food and basic supplies. Many of the victims were civilians, including women and children.

Another 10 people were killed in separate Israeli strikes on Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza. Medical teams responded quickly, but many victims were already dead when they arrived at hospitals. Local facilities continue to struggle with shortages of medical supplies due to the ongoing blockade and frequent bombings.

The Israeli military did not comment on the latest strikes. However, similar incidents have occurred in recent days. On Tuesday, 17 Palestinians were killed near another Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid location in Rafah. In that case, the Israeli army claimed to have fired warning shots to deter people they identified as potential threats. No independent evidence has confirmed those claims.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that efforts were being made to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas. He mentioned some progress but stated it was too early to expect a final deal. Talks involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have yet to bring about a ceasefire.

Two Hamas sources told Reuters that they were unaware of any new offers related to a truce. This suggests that key issues remain unresolved. Both sides continue to blame each other for the failure to reach an agreement.

The current war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters crossed into Israel. They killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Most of the victims were civilians. This marked the deadliest day in Israel’s history.

In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation across the Gaza Strip. Since then, nearly 55,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Most were civilians, and thousands more have been injured or displaced. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, and many people now live in temporary shelters without access to clean water or electricity.

International organizations continue to warn about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aid agencies say they are unable to safely distribute supplies due to ongoing airstrikes, especially near distribution points. The repeated targeting of areas where civilians gather has raised global concern.

Relief efforts have been hampered by blocked roads, fuel shortages, and the threat of further violence. Humanitarian groups urge all parties to protect civilians and allow aid deliveries without interference.

Despite growing international pressure, including calls from the United Nations and several governments, no long-term ceasefire has been achieved. The United States has urged Israel to protect civilians while continuing to support its right to self-defense. Meanwhile, countries such as Turkey and South Africa have demanded an immediate end to the violence.

With no signs of de-escalation, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is likely to worsen. Ongoing attacks near aid centers are forcing relief groups to suspend or scale back their operations. Civilians in Gaza remain trapped between the needs of survival and the dangers of war.