GAZA: At least 63 Palestinians were killed across Gaza just hours after the Israeli military announced daily “humanitarian pauses” intended to facilitate aid delivery. The announced 10-hour daily halt in military activity—between 10am and 8pm local time—was supposed to apply to central and northern Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir el-Balah, and al-Mawasi.
Despite this, Israeli airstrikes resumed soon after the first pause began. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah, confirmed that Gaza City, labeled a “safe zone,” was bombarded, with reports suggesting that a bakery was among the targeted sites.
The renewed violence unfolded amid a worsening humanitarian emergency. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported six more hunger-related deaths in the past 24 hours, including two children, raising the total to 133 since October 2023. Among the latest victims was five-month-old Zainab Abu Haleeb, who died of malnutrition at Nasser Hospital.
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that one in three Gazans has gone days without food, and nearly half a million are experiencing famine-like conditions. The World Health Organization added that more than 20 percent of pregnant and nursing women are malnourished. Falestine Ahmed, a mother from Gaza, shared she had lost one-third of her body weight and her son had also been diagnosed with severe malnutrition.
Although Israel announced the opening of aid corridors and airdrops have been conducted by the UAE and Jordan, access to supplies remains limited and hazardous. One aid pallet reportedly injured 11 displaced people after falling on tents near al-Rasheed Road.
Aid agencies warn that despite Israeli denials, the famine is real and deepening. “There’s nothing to buy even if you have money,” said Liz Allcock from Medical Aid for Palestinians, noting the staggering level of starvation and malnutrition throughout Gaza.
Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure continues to rise. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged recognition of Palestinian statehood and announced plans for a peace-focused conference in New York. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Israel’s blockade as a breach of international law, though he stopped short of recognizing Palestine immediately.
Despite talks of ceasefire and easing restrictions, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 88 more deaths and over 370 injuries in the past 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 59,821 since October.
