At least 43 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, including 20 aid seekers who lost their lives while trying to access food distribution centers. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the US and Israel, has been condemned by the United Nations for its “weaponisation” of aid.
Critics have slammed the sites as “human slaughterhouses” amid a worsening hunger and looming famine crisis. Israeli attacks on Palestinians near aid centers have killed over 400 people and wounded about 1,000 since May 27.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported from Gaza City that Israel continues “the killing of Palestinians across the Gaza Strip with deadly air strikes on tents or residential homes”.
Hungry crowds gather at food distribution centers in Rafah or the Netzarim Corridor, where 13 aid seekers have been shot dead today alone. Mahmoud added that 30 people have been killed by Israel’s military since early morning.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has warned that the lack of reliable energy sources is a key threat to survival in Gaza.
The “deliberate denial of energy access” undermines fundamental human needs, according to the NRC report. Israel’s crippling aid blockade on Gaza has sealed vital border crossings, preventing the entry of aid, including food, medical supplies, and fuel.
“In Gaza, energy is not about convenience – it’s about survival,” said Benedicte Giaever, executive director of NORCAP. “When families can’t cook, when hospitals go dark and when water pumps stop running, the consequences are immediate and devastating”.
The energy crisis has severely affected healthcare facilities in Gaza, with emergency surgeries being delayed and vital medical equipment unable to function. The situation is further complicated by Israel’s 20-month war, which has killed over 56,000 Palestinians and wounded at least 131,559.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The NRC report highlights the need for prioritization of energy in humanitarian efforts. “The international community must prioritise energy in all humanitarian efforts,” Giaever emphasized.
Meanwhile, shipping giant Maersk has divested from companies linked to Israeli settlements, following accusations of links to Israel’s military and occupation of Palestinian lands. The move reflects growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
US President Trump has claimed that a ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Iran, following Iran’s attack on a US air base in Qatar.
However, the situation remains fluid, and the future of the conflict uncertain. The conflict has sparked widespread protests and international calls for a ceasefire, with many urging restraint from all parties involved.