Israeli air strikes killed at least 31 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, as aerial bombardments intensified overnight, raising fears of further civilian casualties on Friday.
According to local health authorities, the deaths were reported from multiple neighbourhoods already devastated by previous attacks. The continuing assault comes amid mounting international concerns over what humanitarian agencies are calling a deliberate blockade intended to "starve and strangulate" Gaza's already famished population.
A distressing video has emerged of 12-year-old Rashaf, a severely malnourished girl from Gaza, pleading for medical evacuation abroad. “I wish I could go back to how I was,” she said, her voice faint and body frail, underscoring the humanitarian crisis facing children in the enclave.
Despite being unconnected to any militant group, Gaza’s children remain the most severely affected, with many enduring hunger, trauma, and loss amid the unrelenting conflict between Hamas and Israel.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) expressly prohibits the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. It also obligates states to permit access to humanitarian aid. Legal experts note that obstructing the delivery of essential supplies may amount to a war crime.
Yet, aid convoys have reportedly been blocked or delayed by Israeli authorities, worsening the situation for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Accusations of grave violations of human rights have been formally raised at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with evidence submitted of widespread devastation and disregard for civilian life.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing proceedings at the ICJ, reaffirmed his hardline stance, stating, “The main objective is not the return of the captives but victory over our enemies.”
According to the latest figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death toll has reached at least 52,418, with some 118,091 wounded since the war began. The Gaza Government Media Office, however, claims over 61,700 have died, including many whose bodies remain buried under rubble and are presumed dead.
The conflict began following the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas-led militants that killed an estimated 1,139 people in Israel and led to the capture of more than 200 individuals.
With aerial attacks ongoing and access to food, water, and medical care shrinking, humanitarian organisations warn of a looming catastrophe unless international intervention compels Israel to open aid corridors and respect civilian protections under international law.
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