GAZA – At least 82 Palestinians were killed in Israeli military operations across Gaza within 24 hours, including civilians seeking humanitarian assistance, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The deadliest strikes occurred in Shejaiya neighbourhood, Gaza City, and Khan Younis, where multiple families were buried under rubble.
The casualties include:
- 17 killed while queueing at UNRWA aid distribution point (Deir al-Balah)
- 9 members of Al-Astal family (home destroyed in Khan Younis)
- 6 rescue workers (Civil Defence team targeted in Shejaiya)
- Over 50% women and children (per Al-Aqsa Hospital records)
“These weren’t combat zones – these were breadlines and residential blocks,” stated Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Ashraf Al-Qidra, reporting 237 injuries with critical shortages of blood bags and surgical supplies. The attacks occurred amid Israel’s renewed ground offensive in Shejaiya, where troops have encircled the eastern sector.
Key Developments:
- Humanitarian Collapse: UNRWA suspended all central Gaza distributions after the Deir al-Balah strike
- Urban Warfare: IDF claims “eliminated 40 Hamas operatives” in Shejaiya tunnel complexes
- Residential Targeting: 14 buildings destroyed in Gaza City’s Tuffah district overnight
- US Reaction: White House called casualties “unacceptable” but confirmed weapons shipment proceeding
The Israeli military acknowledged “intensive operations” but asserted all strikes complied with international law. “Forces targeted legitimate military objectives where Hamas deliberately embeds among civilians,” read an IDF statement, alleging militants fired from near the Deir al-Balah aid point.
The death toll brings Gaza’s documented fatalities to 47,218* since hostilities began, with UNOCHA reporting 1.2 million now facing “catastrophic hunger.” (*Gaza Health Ministry figure)
