Deir Al-Balah, May 23: Israeli airstrikes killed at least 60 people across Gaza in 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The dead included civilians in Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Jabaliya. Israel’s offensive continues amid mounting international criticism and growing pressure to ease the blockade and allow humanitarian aid.
The strikes followed attacks on Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, where drones and tanks caused extensive damage. Israel maintains it will continue operations until all 58 remaining hostages are released and Hamas disarms.
Despite allowing over 100 aid trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing, the UN says this is far below the 600 trucks needed daily. Looting and insecurity, driven by hunger, further hinder aid distribution.
A new U.S.-backed initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is set to manage aid delivery, guarded by private contractors. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks in Doha have stalled, with Hamas accusing Israel of not engaging seriously.
The war began after Hamas’s October attack killed 1,200 in Israel. Gaza’s death toll has since surpassed 53,000, mostly women and children. (AP)
