Israeli airstrikes on Gaza today killed at least 43 people, according to Al Jazeera citing medical sources within the enclave.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimates that “1,000 starving people have been killed in Gaza while seeking food aid” since late May. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, quoted by international media, warned the Strip is a “hell on earth” where doctors collapse from hunger and exhaustion.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, stated: “Humanitarian aid is not just necessary, it is a matter of life or death. To refuse it is not a delay, but a condemnation. Every hour without food, water, medicine and shelter causes profound harm.” He added, “We have seen men enduring the sun for hours hoping for a simple meal. This is humiliation. It is morally unacceptable and unjustifiable,” calling on regional and world leaders: “There can be no future based on imprisonment, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge.”
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas tweeted that the “killing of civilians seeking aid in Gaza is indefensible,” confirming she reiterated to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar their agreement on aid flow and demanded Israeli forces “stop killing people at distribution points.” Kallas warned “all options remain on the table” if Israel fails to uphold its commitments. A European Commission spokesperson condemned the “loss of Palestinian lives at distribution centres,” stressing the situation “shows it is urgent, extremely urgent, to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, facilitate access and achieve a ceasefire.” While acknowledging operational challenges in a “theatre of war,” the Commission urged Israel “to honour its commitments immediately and without further delay,” noting “much remains to be done.” Kallas maintains “continuous pressure” on Israeli counterparts for “tangible results on the ground,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the WHO staff residence in Deir al Balah, Gaza, was attacked three times today, stated Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X. He reported the main warehouse was also hit. Israeli forces entered the compound, he wrote, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot to Al-Mawasi during active conflict. Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated, and subjected to gunpoint checks. Two WHO staff and two relatives were arrested; three were later released, while one staff member remains detained. Thirty-two WHO personnel and dependents were evacuated to a WHO office when access allowed. The WHO demands the “immediate release of the detained staff member and protection for all its personnel.”