Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza continues with no signs of slowing down. According to Al Jazeera, the past 24 hours saw at least 32 more Palestinian lives lost, as the Israeli military targeted a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City. The attack caused a devastating fire, killing 10 people, including a child who burned alive. This brutal act adds to a death toll that has now exceeded 61,700, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
The situation is dire. The Al-Dura Pediatric Hospital sustained serious damage in recent bombings, and Israeli airstrikes destroyed bulldozers used in relief and rescue operations, making it even harder for aid agencies to help those trapped under rubble.
According to multiple sources, over 117,000 Palestinians have been injured since the war began 18 months ago. The toll includes women, children, and the elderly. Thousands more remain buried under debris and are presumed dead. Gaza’s health infrastructure is on the brink of collapse.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Cairo: Hope or Another Delay?
Amidst the chaos, there are diplomatic efforts underway. A Hamas delegation has departed for Cairo to negotiate a potential ceasefire and prisoner release deal. Reuters reports the proposal includes a 5 to 7-year cessation of hostilities after the release of all captives. However, Israel has not officially responded to the new offer.
AFP confirms that chief negotiator Khalil al-Haya is leading the Hamas delegation, aiming to present new ideas to Egyptian mediators in hopes of reaching an agreement. Yet, the lack of public comments from Hamas or Israel raises doubts about the immediate success of these negotiations.
Houthi Ballistic Missile Launches and U.S. Strikes on Yemen
As regional tensions intensify, Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a ballistic missile towards northern Israel. The Israeli military claimed the missile was intercepted with no casualties. This incident took place near Haifa and the Sea of Galilee, marking a rare attack deep into Israeli territory.
In retaliation, the United States launched multiple airstrikes across Yemen, targeting Houthi strongholds in Hodeidah, Marib, and Saada. According to Houthi sources, one strike hit telecommunications equipment. In response, the Houthis downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Hajjah. These advanced drones cost $30 million each and can fly above 40,000 feet for over 30 hours. The Houthis claim they’ve downed 26 MQ-9s in the past decade.
Starvation and Malnutrition: 60,000 Children at Risk
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is reaching horrifying levels. A complete blockade has been in place since March 2, cutting off access to food, medicine, fuel, and other necessities. As a result, all 25 UN-operated bakeries have shut down, and food scarcity has become life-threatening.
Khalil Dekran, spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, reported that over 60,000 children are now showing signs of severe malnutrition. With disease spreading rapidly and access to medical care nearly impossible, aid agencies warn that Gaza is on the brink of a full-blown famine.
Global Condemnation: UK, France, and Germany Demand Action
Governments around the world are condemning Israel’s blockade. Britain, Germany, and France have jointly stated that Israel is violating international law by blocking humanitarian aid. They emphasized that aid must never be used as a political tool.
These countries called on Israel to immediately allow unhindered delivery of food, medicine, and other essential supplies to Gaza’s civilians. However, Israel has made it clear that it is using the blockade to pressure Hamas into accepting its terms for the release of remaining Israeli captives.
The Human Cost: More Than Just Numbers In Gaza
The war began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in Israel, where 1,139 people were killed and 200 were taken hostage. Since then, the scale of Israeli retaliation has drawn international criticism for its disproportionate use of force.
Gaza’s residents, particularly children and the elderly, continue to pay the price. The destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure has left millions without shelter, food, or medical care. The international community must act now.
