Israeli airstrikes kill at least 60 in Gaza while aid deliveries remain critically insufficient amid growing international concerns about human rights violations in the ongoing conflict.
At a Glance
- At least 60 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza within a 24-hour period according to Gaza’s health ministry
- Israeli forces are facing accusations of using Palestinians as human shields, a practice prohibited by international law
- Only 83 aid trucks entered Gaza recently, far below the 600 trucks daily that UN agencies say are needed
- Netanyahu recalled his negotiating team from Doha after failed ceasefire talks
- The conflict has expanded beyond Gaza with violence surging in the West Bank and an attack on Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Aid Deliveries Fall Short
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israel maintains a blockade that has now lasted nearly three months. While 83 trucks carrying humanitarian aid recently entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom Crossing, United Nations officials have stressed that this amount falls dramatically short of addressing the territory’s critical needs. According to UN agencies, approximately 600 trucks daily would be required to adequately address the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza’s 2 million residents.
The distribution of what little aid does enter Gaza has been hampered by Israeli military restrictions and growing lawlessness in the territory. The World Food Program has reported instances of aid trucks being looted in southern Gaza, further complicating relief efforts. Israel has announced plans for a US-backed initiative to improve aid distribution, involving the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and armed private contractors, though implementation details remain unclear.
Accusations of Human Shield Tactics Raise Alarm
Reports have emerged from multiple Palestinians and Israeli soldiers that Israeli troops are using Palestinians as human shields during operations in Gaza. This practice, which involves forcing civilians to perform dangerous tasks or using them as protection against enemy fire, is explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Rights groups have documented similar tactics by Israeli forces for decades, despite a 2005 Israeli Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the practice.
“all such orders are routinely emphasised to the forces.” – Israel’s military.
Israel’s military has responded to these allegations by stating that it prohibits the use of civilians as shields and blames Hamas for civilian casualties. The military has acknowledged that it is investigating several specific cases where violations may have occurred. Observers note that the current conflict has seen the most widespread debate over the practice of using human shields in decades, raising significant concerns about compliance with international humanitarian standards.
Intensifying Violence and Stalled Peace Efforts
Israeli airstrikes have targeted multiple areas across Gaza, including Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and the Jabaliya refugee camp. At least six people were killed in the most recent strikes according to Gaza’s civil defense agency, adding to the reported death toll of 60 within a 24-hour period. The strikes followed an attack on a hospital in northern Gaza, which resulted in fires and significant damage to the facility.
“the cruellest phase” – UN secretary general António Guterres.
Prospects for a ceasefire appear dim after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu recalled his negotiating team from Doha following failed peace talks. Israel continues to demand that Hamas release the 58 remaining Israeli hostages and disarm completely. Hamas, for its part, claims that no real negotiations have taken place, accusing Israel of “falsely portraying participation” in the talks. Meanwhile, violence has surged beyond Gaza into the West Bank, with increasing reports of Israeli settlers attacking Palestinians and military operations targeting militants.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The conflict has sparked significant international reactions, including criticism of Israel by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, who have proposed recognition of a Palestinian state and threatened sanctions against Israel. Netanyahu has strongly criticized these nations, claiming their actions effectively support Hamas remaining in power. The United States has expressed growing concerns over the hunger crisis in Gaza while continuing to provide diplomatic support to Israel.
“Because by issuing their demand, replete with a threat of sanctions against Israel — against Israel, not Hamas — these three leaders effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power” – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tensions have further escalated following an attack on Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC, where the suspect reportedly claimed to have committed the act “for Palestine.” In response, over 40 Jewish organizations have made urgent requests to the US government for increased security measures. The incident has heightened concerns about the global implications of the conflict and the potential for violence to spread beyond the Middle East.
