Israeli airstrikes killed at least 59 Palestinians in Gaza today, according to local and international sources. The United Nations said the Israeli military is spreading fear among civilians in Gaza City and forcing tens of thousands to flee. Reports from Al Jazeera revealed that 36 people died in Gaza City alone during early morning attacks. In Rafah, eight people waiting at a food distribution center were also killed.
Emergency services say the number of casualties is rising fast, especially in densely populated areas. The ongoing military operation has faced global criticism for its high civilian toll. Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed, and many victims arrive in pieces, making identification nearly impossible. A doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital compared the scenes to a horror film, calling it a “slaughterhouse.”
Read more: Israel intensifies Gaza assault as UN demands ceasefire
Since the war began in October 2023, at least 65,382 Palestinians have been killed and over 166,985 injured. Thousands more are feared buried under rubble. Israel initially launched the war after Hamas attacks on October 7, which killed 1,139 people in Israel and led to around 200 hostages being taken. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen with each passing day.
Australian doctor Nida Abu Al-Arab, volunteering in Gaza, described unbearable scenes at Al-Shifa Hospital. She said families are being wiped out, and children arrive torn apart by explosions. She called the silence of the global community “unacceptable,” urging world leaders to act before more lives are lost. “No one is safe. Everyone is just waiting their turn to die,” she said.
Read more: Pakistan calls for swift UN move to save Gaza
Meanwhile, a coalition of 25 European countries and Canada has called on Israel to reopen medical evacuation routes. In a joint statement, they demanded urgent access for patients to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They offered financial aid, medical teams, and supplies to treat the wounded. The group urged Israel to lift restrictions on medicine and humanitarian work and to protect medical staff under international law.