Gaza Experiences Deadly Day as Israeli Military Actions Claim 63 Lives
On Thursday, the Gaza Strip faced another deadly day with 63 people reported killed by the Israeli military, according to Palestinian rescue workers. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the “catastrophic genocidal situation” in Gaza.
After more than 20 months of conflict, over two million Gazans are living in near-starvation conditions, according to human rights organizations.
Gaza’s Civil Defense Reports 63 Deaths
Gaza’s Civil Defense reported 63 deaths on Thursday, with six people killed while waiting to receive food aid. Mahmud Basal, spokesperson for a first-responder organization, increased the initial death toll of 35 to 62 following an Israeli attack on civilians gathered in Deir al Balah, central Gaza. Seventeen new victims were reported after this attack.
Additionally, seven Palestinians, including a child, died in Israeli attacks on vehicles near Jan Yunis (south) and civilians in the Nuseirat refugee camp (central Gaza).
“Genocidio” – Intensified Israeli Bombardment
Israel has intensified its bombing campaign in Gaza, claiming it aims to “eliminate” the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which triggered the war after an attack in southern Israel in October 2023. The conflict began with Hamas’s attack in the south of Israel, resulting in 1,219 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data.
Following a two-month blockade, Israel began allowing limited aid entry in late May. However, distribution has been marred by chaotic scenes and near-daily reports of Israeli forces firing on those waiting for food.
Sánchez Calls for EU to Suspend Israel Association Agreement
From Brussels, where he is attending a European summit, Sánchez—outspoken in his criticism of Israel’s Gaza offensive—urged the European Union to immediately suspend its association agreement with Israel.
He cited a recent, undisclosed report by the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights on the “catastrophic genocidal situation” in Gaza, presented to EU foreign ministers. The document highlights the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid, high civilian casualties, attacks on journalists, and mass displacement and destruction caused by the war.
$30 Million from the US to Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
Apart from the bombings, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that nearly 550 people have died near aid centers since late May. The distribution of aid has been managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a shadowy organization backed by Israel and the US.
The US announced on Thursday its first direct funding of $30 million to the GHF and encouraged other countries to follow suit. However, UN agencies and leading NGOs working in Gaza refuse to collaborate with this foundation, which they claim militarizes aid.
The GHF’s operations have been marred by chaotic scenes, deaths, and neutrality issues. The organization denies any fatal incidents near their distribution points. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced its first medical supplies delivery to Gaza since March 2, when Israel imposed the territory’s blockade.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation in Gaza? The Gaza Strip faces a humanitarian crisis with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- How many people have died in the conflict? According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 56,259 people have died, mostly civilians, since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The UN considers these figures reliable.
- What is the role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)? The GHF is an organization that distributes aid in Gaza, though it has faced criticism for allegedly militarizing the aid process and lacking transparency.
- What is the US’s involvement in Gaza aid? The US has pledged $30 million to the GHF for humanitarian aid distribution, urging other countries to contribute similarly.
- What is the EU’s stance on the conflict? Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel due to the “catastrophic genocidal situation” in Gaza.
