Israeli Strikes Kill 85 in Gaza as Aid Trickle Fails to Reach Civilians
Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday killed at least 85 Palestinians as its military operation in Gaza expanded, despite growing global condemnation and rising civilian deaths. The bombardments came as Israel allowed a limited number of aid trucks into the besieged territory.
Humanitarian Aid Blocked by Complex Military Procedures
Although Israel permitted entry for 93 aid trucks, United Nations officials say only a fraction actually reached Gaza, and none made it to the people who need it most. Israeli military procedures requiring aid workers to reload supplies onto different trucks have severely delayed distribution efforts.
The United Nations warned that Gaza’s 2 million residents are facing an increased risk of famine. The aid, which included flour, baby food, and medical supplies, has yet to be delivered to shelters and clinics.
Global Pressure Prompts Limited Israeli Concession
Under intense pressure from allies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a “minimal” flow of aid into Gaza. He reportedly acted after images of starving civilians generated outrage abroad.
Still, international criticism has escalated. The United Kingdom suspended trade negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions on settler organizations operating in the West Bank.
“We’re horrified by the escalation from Israel,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement to Parliament.
Criticism Mounts from Inside Israel
Yair Golan, a former general and leader of Israel’s opposition Democrats party, condemned the civilian death toll and the government’s Gaza policy. “A sane country doesn’t kill babies as a hobby,” he said in a rare rebuke on Israeli radio.
Netanyahu responded sharply, calling Golan’s remarks “incitement” and accusing him of echoing antisemitic rhetoric.
Strikes Continue as Ceasefire Talks Stall
In the latest wave of airstrikes, Israeli forces hit a family home and a school-turned-shelter in northern Gaza, killing at least 22 people—many of them women and children. Additional strikes in Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, and Khan Younis killed dozens more.
The Israeli military insists it is targeting Hamas militants and accuses the group of using civilian areas as shields.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks in Doha failed to yield progress. Netanyahu recalled the main Israeli negotiating team from Qatar, leaving only a working-level group behind. Qatar’s foreign minister cited a “fundamental gap” between the sides.
Gaza War Toll Surges Past 53,000
Since the war began in October 2023, over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says the majority are women and children. The Israeli military operation followed a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and saw 251 hostages taken.
Today, 58 captives remain in Gaza, about a third of whom are believed to be alive.
Conclusion
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, and civilian casualties mount, international patience with Israel’s handling of the war continues to erode. While limited aid enters Gaza, it remains far from enough to prevent mass starvation and suffering.
Source: AP News
