Intensified Bombardment and Civilian Casualties
Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Gaza City’s eastern suburbs on Thursday, killing at least 16 Palestinians and wounding dozens more in southern Gaza. Local health officials reported that the 24-hour death toll had risen to 71, with many victims suffering critical gunshot wounds during aid distribution attempts. Residents described families fleeing toward the coast as neighborhoods like Shejaia, Zeitoun, and Sabra faced relentless airstrikes and shelling. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted "terrorist infrastructure" and killed three militants, though it provided no evidence to distinguish combatants from civilians.
Preparations for Full-Scale Assault on Gaza City
Despite international warnings, Israel is advancing plans to seize Gaza City, home to approximately one million displaced Palestinians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the operation, stating it would "signal a new and dangerous phase" in the conflict and force traumatized civilians into deeper peril. Israel alleges the city is Hamas’s last stronghold, but humanitarian groups warn that an invasion would exacerbate what the UN calls a "man-made catastrophe" of starvation and displacement.
Humanitarian Crisis and Famine Conditions
Gaza’s health ministry confirmed four additional starvation-related deaths on Thursday, including two children, bringing the total famine death toll to 317 since the war began. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared famine in Gaza City, with catastrophic hunger spreading to Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. Over 40% of pregnant and breastfeeding women suffer severe malnutrition, and hospitals are overwhelmed by starving children. The UN World Food Programme emphasized that aid restrictions have turned Gaza into a "disaster unfolding before our eyes".
Violence During Aid Distribution
In southern Gaza, dozens of wounded Palestinians were admitted to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis after Israeli forces opened fire on crowds near aid distribution sites. Mohammad Saqer, head of nursing, stated that most patients had upper-body gunshot wounds and were in critical condition. Similar incidents have killed over 1,800 people seeking food since May, according to the UN Human Rights Office. Israel’s militarization of aid distribution has been criticized by humanitarian organizations as "ineffective and dangerous".
Political Stalemate and Ceasefire Rejection
Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar on August 18, but Israel has not responded publicly. The proposal included a 60-day truce and hostage exchange, but Israeli officials insist on Hamas’s surrender and full control of Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli security cabinet approved plans to raze Gaza City if Hamas does not yield, a move condemned by Palestinians as "ethnic cleansing".
International Condemnation and Calls for Action
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, mostly women and children. Countries including Spain, Ireland, and Germany have condemned Israel’s planned offensive, while the US under Trump has supported Israel’s right to "confront and destroy Hamas." The International Rescue Committee and other NGOs demand an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted aid access to prevent further loss of life.