The Israeli military has intensified airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 people overnight Sunday and Monday morning, according to local health officials.
Among the victims was a well-known journalist, whom Israeli authorities allege was a Hamas militant, as well as civilians waiting for humanitarian aid.
Health officials reported that 34 people were killed on Monday alone, excluding six journalists who died in a strike on a tent just before midnight, according to The Guardian.
“More than 15 people were killed while waiting for aid at the Zikim crossing point in northern Gaza,” said Fares Awad, head of ambulance services in the area.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet commented on the latest casualties.
Earlier on Monday, the IDF announced that air and artillery units were operating in northern Gaza and Khan Younis. Resident Noha Abu Shamala told Associated Press that two drone strikes killed a family of seven inside their home.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Ministry of Health registered five additional deaths caused by starvation and malnutrition in the last 24 hours, including two children.
This raises the total number of starvation-related deaths since October 7, 2023, to 227, including 103 children.
United Nations officials have warned that the population of the enclave is experiencing “hunger — plain and simple”, as Israel prepares to expand its offensive in the territory.
