Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have killed more than 70 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, according to local health authorities. The dead include numerous women and children, with some strikes reportedly hitting residential neighborhoods and areas near aid distribution points in Rafah and Gaza City, reads an Al Jazeera live report.
The attacks come as the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches critical levels, with over 54,000 Palestinians killed since the beginning of the conflict and hundreds of thousands displaced. Aid agencies report near-total collapse of medical infrastructure, food scarcity, and limited access to clean water.
The latest escalation coincided with the interception of the humanitarian aid boat Madleen by Israeli naval forces. The vessel, carrying international activists including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, was attempting to deliver medical supplies to the besieged enclave. The crew has since been detained and is facing deportation.
The United Nations and several human rights organizations have condemned both the continued bombardment of Gaza and the seizure of the aid vessel, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access.
As tensions rise, international observers warn that the death toll will continue to mount unless a diplomatic resolution is reached and humanitarian corridors are secured.
Bd-pratidin English/Jisan
