2025-05-15T07:06:17Z

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In a heartbreaking escalation of violence in Gaza, at least 82 individuals have lost their lives due to relentless Israeli airstrikes and shelling since dawn, as reported by local rescue workers. The latest figures indicate a devastating toll on civilians, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in the region.

According to civil defence spokesman Mohammad al-Mughayir, the number of casualties will likely increase as more reports come in. Initially, the agency had confirmed 50 deaths, but as the situation escalated, the number surged to 82. Tragically, among those killed, at least 13 were recovered from the rubble following a strike that devastated homes in the southern city of Khan Yunis.

In addition to these casualties, a further 35 individuals lost their lives in 12 separate airstrikes across Gaza. The violence did not spare anyone, as one woman was reported killed in artillery shelling to the south of the territory. These attacks come on the heels of reports indicating that approximately 80 people had died across Gaza just the day prior, underscoring the severity of the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli government's military operations have intensified significantly this month, with officials approving plans to expand their offensive and even speaking of a "conquest" of Gaza. This escalation follows the shocking attack by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages, of whom 57 are still believed to be held in Gaza. Tragically, the military asserts that 34 of these hostages are now confirmed dead.

In the wake of the initial attack, the human toll on the Israeli side has also been devastating, with a reported 1,218 individuals killed, most of whom were civilians. In stark contrast, the retaliatory offensive by Israel has led to staggering casualties in Gaza, where at least 52,928 people have died, primarily civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations has deemed reliable.

As the violence rages on, humanitarian concerns are becoming increasingly dire. A queue for food in Gaza symbolizes the desperate situation facing residents. A US-backed humanitarian organization is set to begin operations in Gaza by the end of the month under a controversial aid distribution plan. However, the organization has called on Israel to permit the United Nations and other aid groups to resume deliveries to the Palestinian population in the interim.

Since March 2, no humanitarian assistance has entered Gaza due to an Israeli-imposed blockade. According to a global hunger monitor, approximately half a million people, or a quarter of Gaza’s population, are at risk of starvation amidst the ongoing conflict. Israel has accused Hamas of pilfering aid, a claim that Hamas vehemently denies. The Israeli government has stated that humanitarian deliveries to Gaza will remain blocked until all remaining hostages are released.

The American humanitarian aid plan, initiated by Israel, involves private companies rather than the traditional involvement of the UN and other aid groups. This plan focuses on transporting aid into Gaza to a limited number of designated secure distribution sites, which are claimed to be located in the southern part of Gaza. The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will oversee this operation, with assistance from US security firm UG Solutions and logistics company Safe Reach Solutions, according to an anonymous source familiar with the plans.

At these designated distribution sites, humanitarian assistance will be allocated to aid groups for distribution to civilians in need. The United States has urged the UN and aid organizations to work collaboratively with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

However, there are rising concerns regarding the operation's adherence to established humanitarian principles, including humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized these concerns yesterday, referencing significant criticism of the proposed operation by UN aid chief Tom Fletcher.

In an effort to address some of these issues, Jake Wood, the executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, communicated in a letter to Israel that the foundation would not disclose any personally identifiable information of those receiving aid. Moreover, the GHF announced that Israel has consented to increase the number of distribution sites to serve the entire population of Gaza and to find solutions for distributing aid to civilians unable to reach a secure distribution site.

Israel's mission to the UN has refrained from commenting on this evolving situation.