Israeli Strikes on Gaza Intensify as Global Anger Mounts
Gaza City/Jerusalem: Israeli attacks on Gaza City intensified on Sunday, August 24, killing at least 63 Palestinians — including children and people seeking food aid — as the army pressed ahead with its plan to seize the city and displace about one million residents.
Escalation in Gaza City
Residents reported heavy bombardment overnight and throughout the day, particularly in central and northern Gaza. According to local health authorities, the latest wave of attacks killed 63 people across the enclave, bringing the total Palestinian death toll since October 2023 to 62,622, with more than 157,000 wounded.
The Israeli military has been carrying out what it describes as an “expanded operation” in Gaza City to root out Hamas fighters. Officials in Gaza, however, accuse Israel of targeting densely populated neighborhoods and civilian areas, including aid distribution points.
Aid Seekers Among the Dead
Several of those killed on Sunday were Palestinians waiting in line for food aid, local media reported. This marks the continuation of a deadly pattern in recent weeks, with Israeli strikes repeatedly hitting areas where civilians have gathered for relief.
Humanitarian agencies warn that food shortages are worsening across Gaza as Israel continues to restrict the entry of supplies. A UN panel officially confirmed last week that northern Gaza is experiencing famine following months of blockade on humanitarian aid, including food, water, and fuel.
Pressure on Medical Workers
Authorities in Gaza and international health groups condemned Israel’s reported plan to expel medical workers from Gaza City. Hospitals, already operating at minimal capacity due to shortages of medicine, fuel, and equipment, have been overwhelmed with the influx of wounded.
Doctors warn that forcing medical staff out of Gaza City would accelerate the collapse of the enclave’s health system. “Patients with life-threatening injuries would be left without care,” said one senior doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital.
Global Protests Erupt
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has sparked worldwide protests. Thousands marched in cities across Europe, North America, and the Middle East over the weekend, demanding an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to the Strip.
Protesters carried placards condemning Israel’s military campaign and urging governments to impose sanctions or halt arms sales. In London and Paris, demonstrators gathered outside government buildings, while in Washington, activists rallied near the White House, accusing U.S. leaders of complicity in the crisis.
Background to the War
The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led attacks killed 1,139 people in Israel and more than 200 others were taken captive. Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza in response, vowing to eliminate Hamas.
Nearly eleven months later, the war has devastated Gaza, flattening entire neighborhoods and displacing the vast majority of its 2.3 million residents. International mediators have struggled to negotiate a ceasefire, with talks repeatedly breaking down over disagreements about prisoner exchanges and guarantees of humanitarian access.
Mounting International Concern
The unprecedented civilian death toll and the UN’s famine declaration have drawn sharp criticism of Israel’s tactics. Several rights groups have accused Israel of collective punishment and violations of international law. Israel, however, maintains that Hamas uses civilians as “human shields” and insists its operations are aimed at militants.
With the humanitarian crisis deepening and casualties mounting, global pressure on both Israel and its allies is expected to grow in the coming days.
