GAZA – A young girl in Gaza has succumbed to starvation, bringing the total number of Palestinians who have died from hunger-related causes to 57, amid an ongoing Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid.
According to health officials, over 9,000 children are now suffering from severe malnutrition due to Israel’s continued restriction on aid entering the besieged enclave. Hundreds of aid trucks remain stranded at the border, awaiting clearance from Israeli authorities, who have not allowed them to proceed.
U.S. media reports indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv are in talks to establish a humanitarian aid system for Gaza that would prevent supplies from reaching Hamas. However, the absence of effective mechanisms has left civilians, particularly children, vulnerable to starvation.
Airstrike Targets Aid Ship Amid Efforts to Break Blockade
Just two days ago, an aid vessel headed for Gaza was bombed in international waters, according to the international charity organization Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The ship, carrying humanitarian supplies and 30 volunteers, was attacked by a drone strike that appeared to specifically target its generator, placing the vessel at risk of sinking. The group shared footage of the blaze but did not identify the attacker, nor was it immediately known if there were any casualties.
The charity has been actively campaigning to end the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Notably, in 2010, a similar aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces, resulting in the deaths of nine volunteers. Since then, other attempts have also been blocked, although without loss of life.
Ongoing Israeli Strikes Claim Dozens of Lives
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue across the Gaza Strip. In the latest wave of attacks, more than 40 Palestinians, including children, have been killed. The humanitarian situation remains dire as both aid efforts and civilian safety face escalating threats.
Despite mounting international concern, Israel maintains a strict hold on the entry of aid into Gaza. Since March 2, no humanitarian supplies have been permitted, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Global pressure continues to build as human rights organizations urge for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to the civilian population in Gaza.
