Israel Kills 25 Palestinians in Gaza, Including 13 Aid-Seekers, as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Gaza – Israeli forces across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 25 Palestinians since dawn on Saturday, including 13 people who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to hospital sources cited by Al Jazeera. The latest casualties come amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with ongoing military operations, severe food shortages, and collapsed ceasefire negotiations.

In addition to the fatalities, two infants reportedly died from malnutrition, raising the total number of starvation-related deaths in Gaza to over 120, with more than 80 of the victims being children. The situation remains dire as access to food and medical aid continues to be obstructed due to Israel’s ongoing blockade.

Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), issued a strong condemnation, stating, “There is no excuse for what is happening in Gaza.” She added that more than 350 ICRC staff remain in the enclave, many of whom are struggling to obtain basic necessities such as clean water and food.

Ceasefire Talks Collapse

Ceasefire efforts led by Qatar have stalled after both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the likelihood of a deal with Hamas. Netanyahu indicated that Israel was now exploring “alternative options” to recover hostages and dismantle Hamas’s influence in Gaza.

Trump echoed the sentiment, suggesting Hamas “didn’t want a deal” and would now be “hunted down.” Both leaders’ remarks signal a hardened stance, leaving little room for negotiations even as humanitarian conditions worsen.

Talks broke down shortly after Hamas submitted a response to a proposed truce, which included a 60-day pause in fighting, increased aid deliveries, and a prisoner exchange. However, disagreements over troop withdrawals and post-ceasefire governance have prevented any formal agreement.

Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Netanyahu’s approach and called for an all-out conquest of Gaza, even advocating for Jewish resettlement of the area.

Widespread Hunger and Aid Blockages

With Gaza’s 2.2 million residents facing extreme food scarcity, international aid organizations report mass hunger and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. After cutting all supplies to Gaza in March, Israel partially reopened humanitarian routes in May but imposed new restrictions that limit the flow of aid.

While the Israeli military announced permission for foreign countries to airdrop supplies, Hamas criticized the move as insufficient. “Gaza doesn’t need air shows; it needs an open, secure humanitarian corridor and consistent aid,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of Gaza’s media office.

Gaza’s health officials confirmed that nine more Palestinians had died from starvation in the past 24 hours. Dozens more have succumbed to hunger in recent weeks.

Israel maintains it has allowed adequate aid into the strip and accuses the United Nations of mismanagement. UN agencies, however, assert that operations are hampered by Israeli restrictions. Supplies of life-saving therapeutic food for severely malnourished children are running dangerously low, the UN warned on Friday.

Journalists Targeted, Civilian Death Toll Rises

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed 21 more Palestinians on Friday, including five sheltering in a school in Gaza City. Among the dead was journalist Adam Abu Harbid, who was killed in a strike on tents sheltering displaced persons. His funeral was marked by mourning and accusations that Israeli forces are deliberately targeting members of the press — a charge Israel denies.

Death Toll and Legal Proceedings

Since October 2023, Israel’s offensive on Gaza has killed at least 58,667 Palestinians, including 17,400 children, and injured more than 139,974. Over 14,222 people remain missing and are presumed dead.

In response to alleged war crimes, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last year for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

As Gaza endures escalating violence, international calls for accountability and an immediate ceasefire continue to grow louder — even as hope for a diplomatic resolution fades.