Gaza death toll rises as Israel expands ground offensive

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 44 people across Gaza, according to the territory’s civil defence agency, as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hamas. The Associated Press, citing Palestinian health officials, reported a higher toll of 66 deaths on Tuesday.

These latest strikes come after more than two months of a near-total blockade, which drew international condemnation and led to severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Limited humanitarian aid began entering Gaza on Monday, following Israel’s announcement to allow restricted shipments for "diplomatic reasons," according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel launched what it termed "extensive ground operations" across Gaza on Sunday, part of a broader effort to dismantle Hamas, the group governing the Palestinian territory. The offensive follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, with 57 still held in Gaza.

Rescue officials report that the latest Israeli strikes have targeted civilian areas, including a school sheltering displaced residents in Gaza City, a home in Deir el-Balah, a gas station near the Nuseirat refugee camp, and another house in Jabalia refugee camp. Women and children make up most of the casualties, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.

The total number of people killed in Gaza since the resumption of Israeli strikes on March 18 has risen to at least 3,340, raising the overall death toll to more than 53,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The international community has voiced strong criticism of Israel’s approach. Leaders from Britain, France, and Canada condemned the offensive, labeling the aid efforts “wholly inadequate” and warning of further actions unless humanitarian access improves. France’s foreign minister described Israel’s limited aid as “totally insufficient,” while a joint statement from 22 countries urged immediate and large-scale assistance.

The World Health Organization also warned that Gaza’s two million residents are facing starvation. Only a handful of aid trucks have been allowed through so far, with UN officials calling the current level of support “a drop in the ocean.”