Rafah Shelling Targets Aid Seekers
On Tuesday evening, Israeli forces shelled displaced Palestinians in western Rafah as they waited for humanitarian aid. The attack killed three individuals and wounded dozens more in southern Gaza.
Aid Blockade Worsens Crisis
Since March 2, Israeli forces have blocked all humanitarian entry points, preventing dozens of aid trucks carrying food, medicine, and essential supplies from entering the Gaza Strip. The ongoing blockade has left hospitals unable to cope with the influx of wounded civilians.
Deadly Strikes in Khan Younis
In Khan Younis, Israeli warplanes bombed a tent sheltering displaced civilians in the Asdaa area, killing two men—Jamil Kamal Sobhi Mousa and Mohammad Kamal Sobhi Mousa—and injuring several others. Additional artillery shelling hit Al-Qarara, while a residential home in Abasan al-Kabira was flattened by airstrikes.
Widespread Attacks Across Gaza
Israeli forces struck multiple locations:
Gaza City: Eastern districts and the Rimal neighborhood were heavily bombarded. Naval forces opened fire on Al-Mawasi.
Northern Gaza: Residential buildings were detonated by Israeli troops, and shelling in Al-Fukhari ignited fires in civilian homes.
Northwestern Gaza: Al-Karama Towers were repeatedly targeted, causing massive destruction and thick plumes of smoke.
Central Gaza: Two Palestinians were killed near the Nuseirat refugee camp during an airstrike.
Healthcare System on the Brink
Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals face acute shortages of medical supplies. The Health Ministry has declared an emergency, warning that the Israeli blockade is causing a humanitarian catastrophe.
A British surgeon volunteering in Gaza revealed a sharp rise in cases of severe malnutrition, particularly among children, leading to weakened immunity and stunted growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that essential medicines, including painkillers, are nearly depleted.
Only 6 of the 22 UNRWA health centers remain functional due to constant attacks. The agency has urgently called for unrestricted humanitarian access.
Controversial Remarks by Netanyahu Spark Outrage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), dismissed reports of famine in Gaza. In a widely criticized statement, Netanyahu claimed, “We arrested thousands of civilians and photographed them naked. They showed no signs of hunger. The people of Gaza do not exercise.”
The remarks have raised serious ethical concerns, with human rights advocates condemning the treatment of detainees and calling for accountability over possible violations of international law.
International Diplomacy and Ceasefire Talks
Amid growing global pressure, diplomatic efforts to end the violence appear to be gaining traction. Al Jazeera reports that Hamas and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have reached a tentative ceasefire framework in Doha.
Casualty Toll Continues to Rise
Since October 7, 2023, at least 54,056 Palestinians have been killed, and over 123,129 have been wounded, primarily women and children. Thousands remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings across the Strip.