In one of the deadliest episodes of the ongoing offensive, Israeli forces killed at least 82 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, including 34 civilians attempting to access humanitarian aid, according to figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry — a source deemed credible by the United Nations.
The strikes, which continued until dawn on Saturday, targeted multiple areas across the besieged enclave. Among the dead were 37 people in central Gaza, 23 in Gaza City, and 22 in southern Gaza, 11 of whom were reportedly seeking food assistance.
The Humanitarian Foundation Aid Programme, launched on May 27, has come under increasing scrutiny as incidents of violence at aid distribution points have risen sharply. Since its inception, over 409 aid seekers have been killed and 3,203 injured, according to Ismail al-Thawabta, Director-General of Gaza’s Government Media Office.
Humanitarian catastrophe unfolding
UNICEF on Friday raised the alarm over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where vital infrastructure has collapsed amid months of bombardment and blockade.
“Children will begin to die of thirst,” warned James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson, speaking in Geneva.
“Just 40 per cent of drinking water production facilities remain functional,” he added, highlighting the severe scarcity of potable water — a crisis the agency attributes to deliberate targeting of infrastructure.
Also read: Aid-seekers among 92 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza
While aid agencies and international observers have described the situation as catastrophic, the UN humanitarian arm has questioned the efficiency and impartiality of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), accusing it of exaggerating conditions while failing to prevent violence at aid sites.
No end in sight to war
The broader conflict in Gaza remains without a clear military or political resolution. With Israel expanding its operations against Iran in parallel, analysts have warned of regional escalation and deepening instability.
On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, delivered a stinging condemnation of Israel’s conduct.
“This madness must end as soon as possible,” Erdogan said. He accused Israel of double standards, stating, “They initiate war in the region and then complain about the Iranian strikes on a hospital while destroying the Iranian state television network, bombing hospitals and also carrying out 700 attacks on the health care facilities in Gaza alone.”
Observers fear both the humanitarian and geopolitical crises are now spiralling beyond diplomatic repair, with “no return” point looming on the horizon.
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