Gaza: At least 16 Palestinians were killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, marking continued violence in the 20-month-long conflict with Hamas. The war has escalated as Israel opened a new front by launching heavy strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Iran and its allies.
In a separate incident, 11 Palestinians were killed near food distribution points operated by an Israeli- and U.S.-supported humanitarian group, amid near-daily clashes since the sites opened last month. Witnesses reported Israeli forces firing into crowds desperate for aid, while the Israeli military claims it only fired warning shots at suspicious individuals approaching the zones, which are off-limits to independent media.
Meanwhile, Hospitals in Gaza, including al-Awda and Nasser, have been overwhelmed with casualties, many of whom are women and children. The humanitarian situation is dire as Israel’s blockade and military operations have pushed Gaza toward famine, forcing thousands to risk attending aid sites now in heavily militarized and restricted zones.
The United Nations and humanitarian groups criticize the new Israeli-led aid distribution system, arguing it restricts access and forces Palestinians to travel or relocate repeatedly. They also dispute Israeli and U.S. claims that Hamas diverts aid to fund militant activities.
The conflict traces back to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack into southern Israel that killed roughly 1,200 civilians and led to a devastating Israeli retaliation that has claimed over 55,000 Palestinian lives, displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, and devastated much of the territory.
Iran’s involvement has further intensified the conflict, culminating in Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets and raising fears of wider regional war.
