At least 33 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire across Gaza on Saturday, The Associated Press reported, citing local hospitals. Those sheltering in tents in Khan Younis and civilians seeking food near the Zikim aid crossing are reported to be among the dead. As famine worsens in Gaza City, humanitarian groups are intensifying pressure on Israel to halt its offensive.
Gaza’s largest city is now the focus of both a spreading famine and a possible upcoming military operation, with Israeli Defense Minister recently warning of an impending assault that could “destroy” the city.
Civilian Deaths in Tents and Aid Lines
Meanwhile, health officials at Nasser Hospital said that Israeli strikes killed at least 17 people in Khan Younis, more than half of them being women and children.
In northern Gaza, five more Palestinians were killed by gunfire near the Zikim crossing, according to the Sheikh Radwan field hospital. Israeli forces also reportedly fired on thousands attempting to get food. “
Israel’s military, for its part, said that it wasn’t aware of the Khan Younis strike and that the offiials were investigating the reported incident.
Famine Deepens, Aid Remains Inadequate
Meanwhile, a new report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned that famine is likely to spread further across Gaza City if restrictions and fighting persist. An estimated total of 500,000 people — nearly a quarter of Gaza’s total population– are believed to be facing catastrophic hunger to this date.
Israel has denied reports of famine, calling it “an outright lie.” While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led government has permitted some aid, including airdrops and US-backed deliveries, the UN has said that the current efforts are not enough.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled Amid Hostage Crisis
In a related development, Hamas has reportedly accepted a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Arab nations, even as Israel is yet to respond to negotiations. Netanyahu said last week that he had ordered officials to pursue a deal “on Israel’s terms,” as reported by AP.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday, “I actually think (the hostages are) safer… if you went in and you really went in fast and you did it.”
Families of the hostages and thousands of Israelis have called for an agreement. According to Gaza Health Ministry, the long-drawn war has killed at least 62,622 Palestinians, including 281 from malnutrition-related causes.
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