Rising toll in Gaza as civilians killed awaiting aid

At least 27 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near Rafah while waiting for humanitarian aid, according to Gaza’s local health authorities. The incident occurred close to the aid distribution site supported by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

The Israeli military confirmed it had opened fire on individuals about 500 meters from the aid center, claiming they were moving toward Israeli forces in a way that posed a threat. Despite mounting reports of fatal shootings near the aid site, Israel insists it does not obstruct civilians from accessing humanitarian assistance.

In response to these incidents, the United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the killings near the aid center in southern Gaza.

Elsewhere, in northern Gaza, three Israeli soldiers were killed during combat, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Israeli forces since the truce with Hamas ended in March. According to military sources, the soldiers aged in their early 20s died in the Jabaliya area, reportedly due to an explosion. This came shortly after Hamas’ armed wing reported intense clashes with Israeli troops in the region.

The fighting resumed after the ceasefire collapsed when Hamas declined to amend the agreement to accelerate hostage releases. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.

The war, which began with Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023 killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages has left enduring consequences. Hamas continues to hold 58 hostages, roughly a third of whom are believed to be alive.

According to Gaza health authorities, over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict, most of them women and children. Israel claims it has eliminated about 20,000 militants, although it has not presented supporting evidence. Israeli military losses have surpassed 860 soldiers since October, with more than 400 deaths occurring in Gaza.