GAZA CITY ( The COW News Digital) Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 54 more Palestinians in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, including 10 people who were waiting at an aid distribution site near Rafah.
Health officials reported that the deadly strikes targeted both Gaza City and areas near Rafah, compounding the humanitarian crisis as the territory endures relentless bombardment. Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the aid point where civilians had gathered in the hope of receiving desperately needed food and supplies.
The ministry further noted that Israel’s blockade and what it called “forced famine” are worsening the death toll. Four additional Palestinians died from starvation-related causes in the same period. This brings the number of people killed due to malnutrition in Gaza to 239, including 106 children.
Israel’s restriction on food, medicine, and other essentials has left hundreds of thousands in critical need, with aid agencies warning of an impending mass famine if access is not restored.
In the occupied West Bank, political tensions are also intensifying. Hamas has declared today a “Day of Rage” in protest against Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion and plans to annex more Palestinian land.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a recent interview with local media, reiterated his commitment to the idea of “Greater Israel,” calling it both a historic and spiritual mission. His comments drew sharp criticism from Palestinian leaders and human rights groups, who accused Israel of pursuing an expansionist agenda under the cover of war.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has now claimed the lives of at least 61,776 people, according to health authorities, with tens of thousands more wounded. The casualty figures, which include large numbers of women and children, have sparked growing condemnation from the international community.
Despite mounting pressure for a ceasefire, Israel continues to argue that its operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure. Palestinian officials counter that the campaign amounts to collective punishment against the civilian population.
As the war grinds into yet another week, humanitarian organizations say Gaza’s crisis is reaching a tipping point, with both the physical destruction and the deprivation of basic needs threatening to trigger an even larger-scale disaster.
