Gaza: At least 75 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli air raids across Gaza on Saturday, according to local officials and witnesses, with emergency workers still digging through the rubble in search of survivors and bodies. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood, where an Israeli strike levelled a residential building, killing at least 16 people and trapping scores more beneath the debris.
Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basel condemned the attack as a “full-fledged massacre,” saying there had been no prior warning before the bombing. “This was a building packed with civilians,” Basel stated, adding that as many as 85 individuals might still be under the rubble.
The strike occurred on the second day of Eid al-Adha, deepening the tragedy for residents. “We woke up to the sound of explosions instead of joy,” said Hamed Keheel, a displaced Palestinian. “Instead of dressing our children and celebrating, we are pulling bodies from the ruins.”
The Israeli military said it had targeted and killed Asaad Abu Sharia, a senior figure in the Mujahideen Brigades, who it claimed was involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. His brother Ahmed Abu Sharia was also killed. Hamas confirmed both deaths, accusing Israel of perpetrating “a series of brutal massacres against civilians.”
Meanwhile in Rafah, in southern Gaza, at least eight Palestinians were reportedly killed near an aid distribution point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed group that recently took over some aid efforts from the United Nations. Witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire on civilians gathering for food assistance.
The GHF has drawn criticism for operating under Israeli military protection and allegedly disregarding humanitarian neutrality. Critics argue its work aligns with Israel’s broader strategy of controlling Gaza and displacing its population. On Saturday, the group said it had suspended operations due to “direct threats” from Hamas, though Hamas denied any such warnings.
The United Nations, which has refused to work with the GHF, continues to sound alarms about the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 2.3 million people face famine conditions after weeks of Israeli-imposed blockade and bombardment. The rate of acute malnutrition in children has nearly tripled in recent months.
Medical experts are warning of a growing reproductive health crisis as well. Over 300 miscarriages have been recorded in just under three months. Dr. Brenda Kelly, an obstetrician at Oxford University Hospital, said Gaza risks losing “an entire generation” of children due to malnutrition, stress, and a collapse of prenatal care.
“This is the result of hunger being used as a weapon,” she said. “We’re seeing rising numbers of stillbirths and premature deliveries, and the long-term impact on surviving children will be devastating.”
Kelly added that children born in such conditions are likely to suffer from chronic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
As the bombings continue and aid fails to reach those in need, Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly, with no clear end in sight.
[Human Online , Al Jazeera]
