Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as Israeli attacks intensify and aid distribution grinds to a halt. At least 22 palestinians have been killed in recent Israeli strikes, according to medical sources. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF),the U.S.-backed group responsible for aid distribution, has suspended operations, citing safety concerns.

Escalating Violence

• Northern Gaza: At least 10 people were killed in Jabalia due to Israeli tank fire, according to local health authorities.
• Southern Gaza: In khan Younis,Israeli drone strikes on tents housing displaced people resulted in at least five fatalities,medical sources reported.

Goher Rahbour, a surgeon working in Khan Younis, confirmed this grim reality: I operated on two patients and we removed M16 bullets from abdominal injuries. When I spoke to these patients, they were very clear to say they came from Israeli forces.

Journalist Casualties Mount

The Gaza Government Media Office reported that a journalist wounded in an Israeli strike on ahli Hospital on Thursday has died. This brings the total number of journalists killed in Gaza as the war began to 226.

We also call on them to exert serious and effective pressure to stop the crime of genocide,protect journalists and media professionals in the Gaza Strip,and halt their killing.

Gaza’s Government Media Office

the office has issued a plea to journalistic bodies worldwide to condemn what it describes as systematic crimes against Palestinian journalists and media professionals in the Gaza Strip.

Aid Distribution Halted

The suspension of aid distribution by the GHF exacerbates an already critical situation. The group, wich began distributing aid last week, announced the closure of its hubs until further notice via a Facebook post on Friday. This decision follows several incidents of deadly violence near the sites, including instances were Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on Palestinian aid seekers.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene on Sunday when thousands approached a distribution site before dawn. Amr Abu Teiba, who was present, recounted:

There was fire from all directions, from naval warships, from tanks and drones.

Amr Abu Teiba, witness

The GHF has advised people to stay away from the aid distribution hubs for their safety. Operations had been scaled back earlier in the week,with only two sites distributing aid on Thursday.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Aid agencies have warned that Gaza faces a severe hunger crisis due to the ongoing blockade. While Israel allowed some aid to enter last month following international pressure, aid groups maintain that the amounts are insufficient. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have fiercely criticized the GHF’s approach to aid distribution.

Adding to the crisis, hospitals are struggling with dwindling resources. Rahbour noted:

There is a lack of everything – antibiotics, swabs, surgical instruments.

Goher Rahbour, surgeon in Gaza

The GHF maintains that its private security contractors have not fired on crowds, while the Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots on previous occasions.

Casualty Toll and Ceasefire Efforts

The conflict has resulted in staggering casualties. gaza’s Health Ministry reported on Thursday that at least 54,677 Palestinians have been killed and 125,530 wounded. In Israel, approximately 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and more than 200 were taken captive.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are renewing efforts to secure a ceasefire deal based on a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce and increased humanitarian aid. However, previous ceasefire attempts have faltered due to disagreements over key terms, including a permanent halt to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.