Gaza Strip — At least 81 Palestinians have been killed and 422 others wounded in the latest wave of Israeli attacks across Gaza, the enclave’s Health Ministry reported on Saturday, as the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory worsens.
The fresh violence comes just a day after US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a ceasefire could be reached “within the next week.” However, the situation on the ground suggests little respite for Gaza’s embattled population.
In a statement, Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned recent revelations in Israeli media that soldiers were allegedly ordered to “deliberately shoot” starving Palestinians seeking aid, calling it further evidence of “war crimes” being committed in the enclave.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), also raised alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, describing US and Israeli-backed aid distribution sites under the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as a “killing field.”
Mounting Death Toll
Since Israel launched its offensive on Gaza following the October 7 attacks, the Health Ministry says at least 56,412 Palestinians have been killed and 133,054 wounded. Israeli authorities report 1,139 fatalities from the October 7 attacks, during which over 200 people were taken captive.
The ongoing conflict has drawn global condemnation and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, but peace efforts have so far yielded little tangible progress.
As the humanitarian situation spirals, international organisations continue to warn of imminent famine and the collapse of essential services in Gaza.
By Were Kelly
