According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel has intensified its assault on the largest urban center in Gaza, with continuous bombing and forced starvation leading to the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians since the war began almost two years ago.
Israeli forces are stepping up their military campaign in Gaza City, using heavy artillery, drones, and fighter jets to destroy residential areas. On Monday alone, at least 30 Palestinians were killed, including 14 people who were struck while seeking food aid. Among the victims was journalist Islam al-Koumi, who died in an airstrike on the al-Sabra neighborhood. Local sources describe widespread displacement as families flee their bombed-out homes, while others remain trapped due to poverty or fear.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum described the devastation as “extremely overwhelming,” noting, “We can see how Israel is using heavy artillery, fighter jets, and drones in order to destroy what’s left of residential homes.”
Civilians Trapped Amid Displacement
Many Palestinians in Gaza City say it is impossible for them to move south. Bilal Abu Sitta, a displaced resident, explained, “How am I supposed to even get there? I need nearly $900 to move—I don’t even have a dollar.”
Other residents refuse to trust Israel’s assurances of safety. “We don’t want Israel to give us anything,” said Noaman Hamad. “We want them to allow us back to the homes we fled.”
Healthcare centers in Gaza City have also been targeted, worsening the humanitarian crisis for families sheltering in ruins, makeshift tents, or overcrowded classrooms.
Starvation Used as a Weapon of War
Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed that five more Palestinians, including two children, died from malnutrition in the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of starvation-related deaths to 263 people, with 112 of them being children.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that over 320,000 children under five in Gaza are at risk of severe acute malnutrition. Families are surviving on small rations with little nutritional value, while aid agencies are pushing for an urgent ceasefire to allow large-scale food deliveries.
UNRWA noted that instead of preparing for school, Gaza’s children are now standing in line for food, searching for clean water, and living in overcrowded shelters.
Amid the destruction, a glimmer of hope for a potential truce emerged as Hamas announced it had approved a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt. According to an informed source, the draft deal includes a 60-day truce, the release of half of the Israeli captives held in Gaza, and the freedom of an unspecified number of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
