Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza: Airstrikes and Stolen Aid

A series of Israeli airstrikes in the northern Gaza region on Saturday left at least 200 people dead, according to local health officials. This tragedy occurred as the United Nations announced a pause in aid deliveries through the main crossing point between Israel and Gaza, due to the theft of several trucks carrying food and supplies. The situation in Gaza is dire, with chronic hunger affecting the civilian population and the death toll from the ongoing conflict rising. On Friday, a bakery incident claimed the lives of two children and a woman, highlighting the desperation for food. The airstrikes came amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated would allow Israel to focus on Gaza. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, reported that five buildings were hit, resulting in over 100 people being trapped under rubble in the Tal Al Zaatar and Beit Lahiya areas. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, halted aid deliveries after several trucks were stolen. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that the decision was made due to escalating hunger and the unsafe conditions for aid workers. He noted that the humanitarian operation in Gaza had become unmanageable due to various challenges, including restrictions from Israeli authorities. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza, with tens of thousands killed and many more injured since the war began last year. The actual number of casualties is likely higher, as many areas remain inaccessible, and not all victims reach hospitals.