Rising Casualties in Gaza Amidst Strikes Targeting Aid Convoys

Recent airstrikes by Israeli forces in Gaza have led to at least 35 Palestinian deaths, including 12 individuals securing aid lorries, amidst an ongoing conflict where international attempts for resolution continue to falter.

At least 35 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including 12 who were protecting aid lorries, according to local medics and the Hamas-led Civil Defence authority. The strikes claimed the lives of seven guards in Rafah, aimed at safeguarding aid vehicles from armed theft, a significant barrier in delivering supplies to southern Gaza. Another five guards were reported dead in Khan Younis from a separate strike.

The Israeli military defended its actions, emphasizing that it targeted Hamas terrorists allegedly planning to hijack the humanitarian trucks. In a separate incident, airstrikes near Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, sparking outrage among humanitarian workers.

Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal criticized the strikes, lamenting that "the occupation once again targeted those securing the aid trucks," highlighting the plight of civilians amid intensified conflict. The aid lorries, carrying essential flour supplies to UN warehouses, faced increasing risks from armed gangs in the region. Witnesses noted that both civilian volunteers and remnants of the Hamas police are attempting to thwart these hijacking attempts.

Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, Hamas claims that approximately 700 police officers charged with protecting these vital aid routes have died due to Israeli attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their operations are based on intelligence that identified gatherings of Hamas members involved in planned hijackings.

Further Israeli airstrikes targeted two homes near the Nuseirat refugee camp and in Gaza City, yielding an additional death toll of 21, including six children. The broader conflict first erupted in response to a Hamas attack that resulted in around 1,200 Israeli casualties and over 250 taken hostages, prompting an extensive Israeli military campaign in the territory.

In total, the Hamas-run health ministry based in Gaza reported over 44,800 fatalities since the recent escalation. Despite continued international diplomatic efforts to broker peace, Israel's defense minister recently indicated potential negotiations might reemerge, offering hope for the safe return of hostages, potentially including American nationals.