GAZA: Several Palestinian civilians were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday in a fresh Israeli forces shelling of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in the northern Gaza Strip.
According to Salameh Maarouf, head of the Gaza-based government media office, the attack occurred near Kuwait roundabout, where Palestinians had gathered in hopes of receiving much-needed humanitarian aid.
The latest assault adds to the mounting death toll among Gazans awaiting humanitarian aid, with Maarouf reporting that the number of fatalities has reached 400, while over 1,300 others have been injured. Earlier reports from the Palestinian official news agency Wafa detailed a separate attack south of Gaza City, where at least nine people were killed and more than 20 others wounded as Israeli forces dropped bombs and opened fire on Palestinians awaiting aid trucks.
Israeli Forces Kill Over 31,184 Palestinians Since Oct 7
Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the enclave’s civil defense unit, confirmed the targeting of Palestinians near the Kuwait roundabout, underscoring the grave risks faced by civilians amidst the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military offensive, which commenced on October 7, has inflicted immense suffering on the people of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 31,184 Palestinians and injuries to over 72,700 others, mostly women and children.
The blockade imposed by Israel has compounded the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbating shortages of necessities and pushing residents, particularly those in the northern region, to the brink of starvation. Reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicate that at least 27 persons have succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration due to the blockade.
The dire situation in Gaza has led to widespread internal displacement, with 85% of the population affected and significant damage inflicted on infrastructure. The United Nations has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and called for an end to the blockade to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and issued an interim ruling in January demanding an end to genocidal acts and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians. Despite these international calls for action, the cycle of violence and suffering persists in the Gaza Strip.
