Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed 106 Palestinians in just one day, according to reports from Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, describing the day as a “bloody Friday.” The violence continues to escalate amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that Israeli forces targeted civilians waiting for aid trucks in southwest Gaza City, killing 12 people and injuring 90 others. These civilians had gathered hoping to receive emergency food supplies amid severe shortages.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that two children and one adult recently died from famine and malnutrition, bringing the total deaths from starvation in the ongoing conflict to 162, including 92 children. Since the start of the conflict, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 147,000 injured, marking one of the deadliest periods in Gaza’s recent history.
Among the victims is 17-year-old Atef Abu Khater, who was admitted to ICU but succumbed to malnutrition. His family stated he was healthy before the conflict but deteriorated due to severe food shortages. Israeli airstrikes have also hit areas north of Khan Yunis and the Al Amal neighborhood, damaging homes, though casualty numbers there remain unconfirmed.
On the morning of this report, at least 21 Palestinians were killed in continued Israeli strikes, including 12 who were waiting for aid south of Gaza City. Air raids also struck an apartment building in Al-Zuwaida and a camp for displaced people near Khan Yunis, resulting in more deaths and injuries.
United Nations officials warn that air-dropping aid is dangerous and inefficient. Juliette Touma, spokesperson for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stressed that the best way to help Gaza’s nearly two million residents is by opening border crossings to allow aid trucks to deliver supplies safely.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini highlighted that land-based deliveries are at least 100 times cheaper and can carry twice the amount of aid compared to air drops. Thousands of aid trucks are ready to enter Gaza, but political obstacles remain. Lazzarini urged international and Israeli authorities to show political will to open roads and ease the humanitarian crisis.
As starvation and violence continue to take a heavy toll on Gaza’s civilians, the UN calls for urgent measures to prevent further loss of life and suffering.