Israel Launches Devastating Gaza Assault: 79 Palestinians Killed in 24-Hour Period Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Breaking: Deadly 24-Hour Period in Gaza

In a devastating escalation of the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 79 Palestinians within a 24-hour period, marking one of the deadliest single-day tolls in recent months. The casualties occurred across multiple locations throughout the Gaza Strip, with a significant number of deaths reported near aid distribution sites operated by the controversial US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

According to local health authorities at al-Awda and Al-Aqsa hospitals in central Gaza, at least 15 people were killed on Saturday as they desperately attempted to approach GHF aid distribution sites near the so-called Netzarim Corridor. The remaining casualties resulted from separate Israeli strikes across the besieged enclave, highlighting the widespread nature of the current military operations.

The tragic events underscore the increasingly dangerous conditions facing Palestinian civilians, who are caught between the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the risks associated with accessing these life-saving resources. Since the GHF began operations last month, a staggering 274 people have been killed and more than 2,000 wounded near aid distribution sites, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.

Major Offensive Targets Deir al-Balah

In a significant military escalation, Israel has launched a major ground and air offensive against Deir al-Balah, one of the few cities in the Gaza Strip that had previously avoided large-scale invasion. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued mass evacuation orders to Palestinian residents before commencing what witnesses describe as massive airstrikes on Monday morning.

The IDF has stated that the operation targets senior Hamas officials believed to be holding remaining Israeli captives in the area. However, this military action has prompted another massive exodus of Palestinian refugees and raised serious concerns among families of hostages potentially being held in the region.

The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs has expressed alarm, warning that the "mass displacement order issued by the Israeli military has dealt yet another devastating blow to the already fragile lifelines keeping people alive across the Gaza Strip." Between 50,000 and 80,000 people are estimated to be affected by the latest evacuation order.

Strategic Implications of the Deir al-Balah Operation

The decision to target Deir al-Balah represents a significant strategic shift, as Israeli forces have previously been reluctant to enter this central Gaza city due to intelligence suggesting that hostages might be held there. The area has served as a relative safe haven compared to other parts of Gaza that have experienced more intensive military operations.

Far-right Israeli minister Orit Strock has controversially stated that Israel must expand its military offensive regardless of intelligence on the whereabouts of the 50 remaining hostages, arguing that there must not be "don't touch me zones" that could endanger Israeli border communities.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with malnutrition now killing Palestinians faster than at any point during the 21-month conflict. A six-week-old infant, Yousef al-Safadi, was among 15 people who died of starvation in Gaza within a single 24-hour period, highlighting the severity of the food crisis.

Palestinian health officials report that at least 101 people have died of hunger during the conflict, including 80 children, with most deaths occurring in recent weeks. The head of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, Mohammed Abu Salmiya, announced that 21 children had died across the Palestinian territory in just three days "due to malnutrition and starvation."

Starvation Crisis Accelerates

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as a "horror show," stating that "malnourishment is soaring and starvation is knocking on every door in Gaza." The World Food Programme director Carl Skau, who recently visited Gaza City, called the conditions "the worst" he had ever witnessed in his humanitarian career.

Israel imposed a complete humanitarian blockade on Gaza for 11 weeks starting March 2, cutting off food, medical supplies, and other essential aid. While small amounts of aid have been permitted since late May following international pressure, humanitarian organizations emphasize that these supplies represent only a fraction of what is needed to address the mounting crisis.

Fatal Aid Distribution Incidents

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, led by Johnnie Moore, an evangelical Christian who advised former US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, has become a focal point of controversy. The organization oversees a new model of aid distribution that the United Nations has criticized as neither impartial nor neutral.

Palestinians are increasingly viewing GHF distribution hubs as "execution sites," according to Al Jazeera's reporting from Deir el-Balah, yet desperate families continue to risk their lives at these locations as they have "run out of options" in their search for food and basic necessities.

UN Criticism of Aid Distribution System

UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini has denounced the Israeli-backed aid system as a "sadistic death trap," alleging that snipers fire randomly on crowds at aid sites "as if given a licence to kill." The UN estimates that approximately 1,000 starving Palestinians have been killed while seeking food aid since the end of May.

UNRWA officials report that their staff members, doctors, and humanitarian workers are fainting on duty due to hunger and exhaustion, with some describing the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth." The Norwegian Refugee Council has announced that its aid stocks are completely depleted, with some staff members now facing starvation themselves.

International Community Response

The international community has responded with growing alarm to the escalating casualties and humanitarian crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that images of civilians being killed during humanitarian aid distributions are "unbearable," reiterating the EU's call for the safe and swift flow of humanitarian aid and respect for international law.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, recently returned from a visit to Gaza with "broken hearts," describing the spiraling humanitarian crisis as "morally unacceptable." The rare visit by foreign religious officials highlighted the exceptional nature of the current crisis.

Calls for International Action

Amnesty International has called for war crimes investigations into Israeli strikes, while multiple UN agencies continue to document violations of international humanitarian law. The World Health Organization reports that Israeli forces have attacked its staff residences and main warehouses, compromising critical medical operations in Gaza.

Hostage Families Voice Concerns

Families of Israeli hostages have expressed serious concerns about the military offensive in Deir al-Balah, fearing that expanded fighting could endanger their loved ones' lives. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has demanded that Israeli leadership clearly explain why the offensive does not put hostages at "serious risk."

The families referenced the tragic precedent of six hostages who were killed in August 2023 as Israeli troops closed in on their hiding place in tunnels below Rafah. "Can anyone promise us that this decision will not come at the cost of the loss of our loved ones?" the forum asked in an emotional statement.

Current State of Gaza Conflict

The death toll in Gaza continues to mount, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that 59,029 Palestinians have been killed and more than 142,000 injured since Israel's offensive began following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. More than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is now within Israeli-controlled zones under forced displacement orders.

Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled as both sides maintain core demands. Israel seeks sustained military presence and security guarantees, while Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal. The UN estimates that nearly 665,000 people have been displaced yet again since Israel broke the previous ceasefire in February.

Regional Implications

The conflict's impact extends beyond Gaza, with tensions affecting the broader Middle East region. Iran has reported over 1,000 deaths from its recent 12-day war with Israel, while the United States has imposed additional sanctions on Houthi-linked networks in Yemen and the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)?

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is a US and Israel-backed organization led by Johnnie Moore, an evangelical Christian who advised President Trump's 2016 campaign. It began distributing food packages in Gaza on May 27, 2025, overseeing a new aid distribution model that has been criticized by the UN as neither impartial nor neutral.

Why are so many Palestinians dying at aid distribution sites?

Since the GHF began operations, 274 people have been killed and over 2,000 wounded near aid distribution sites according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. The UN and humanitarian organizations blame Israeli military actions, including sniper fire and strikes on crowds seeking food. The desperate hunger situation forces Palestinians to risk their lives for basic necessities.

How many people have been displaced in Gaza?

The UN estimates that nearly 665,000 people have been displaced again since February 2025, with over 80% of Gaza Strip now under Israeli-controlled zones or forced displacement orders. More than 2 million people live in Gaza, and most of the population has been displaced multiple times during the 21-month conflict.

What is the current death toll in Gaza?

According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, 59,029 Palestinians have been killed and more than 142,000 injured since Israel's offensive began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The ministry reports that approximately 130 people were killed and over 1,000 injured in just the past 24 hours.

Conclusion: Urgent Need for International Intervention

The escalating violence in Gaza, marked by the killing of 79 Palestinians in a single 24-hour period, represents a critical humanitarian emergency requiring immediate international intervention. The combination of military operations, starvation-level food shortages, and the breakdown of safe aid distribution systems has created a catastrophic situation for Gaza's civilian population.

As the conflict enters its 21st month, the international community faces mounting pressure to broker a sustainable ceasefire that addresses both security concerns and humanitarian needs. The tragic deaths at aid distribution sites, the expanding military operations in previously safer areas like Deir al-Balah, and the accelerating starvation crisis demand urgent, coordinated action to prevent further loss of civilian life.