Israeli airstrikes in Gaza result in at least 42 deaths as the UN prepares to vote on a ceasefire.
At least 42 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli attacks across Gaza, as reported by medical sources. This escalation coincides with the United Nations General Assembly’s preparations for a vote that aims to secure an unconditional ceasefire in the besieged region.
Among the casualties, 26 people were reportedly killed during Israeli drone strikes while they awaited food and essential supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization that has garnered attention for its efforts in humanitarian assistance. A civil defense official from Gaza, Mohammed el-Mougher, informed the media that the al-Awda Hospital received approximately ten bodies and nearly 200 wounded individuals after drones targeted civilian gatherings near an aid distribution point close to the Netzarim checkpoint in central Gaza. Additionally, al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported receiving six more bodies due to assaults on aid queues in various areas.
Since the GHF initiated its operations in Gaza in late May, struggles have arisen concerning the safety of individuals attempting to access these critical aid distribution points. The GHF has garnered scrutiny from the United Nations, with officials highlighting potential deficiencies in its distribution model intended to alleviate hunger. Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), called for a more direct humanitarian approach, underscoring the agency’s capability and local trust to deliver dignified assistance.
Moreover, a medical source at al-Shifa Hospital confirmed that two additional Palestinians were killed due to Israeli shelling in the Bir an-Naaja area, located to the west of the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The humanitarian situation has been further exacerbated by the recent decision from Israel to sever communication lines within Gaza, a move that Hamas has condemned as a harmful escalation that could jeopardize civilian safety.
As these events unfold, the General Assembly is poised to vote on a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Diplomatic circles anticipate significant support for this motion, despite efforts from Israel to rally opposition against what it describes as a politically motivated initiative. This vote comes in the wake of a recent U.S. veto of a similar resolution in the Security Council, highlighting ongoing tensions in international diplomacy regarding the conflict in the region.
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