Israel intensifies military operations in Gaza, leading to the tragic death of 26 aid-seekers, as Netanyahu's government faces mounting criticism over escalating the conflict
The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting to discuss Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City, as the deaths of at least 26 Palestinians seeking aid in the Gaza Strip continue to spark outrage both internationally and within Israel.
Amid a severe famine in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been accused of opening fire on civilians trying to access humanitarian aid. Since May 27, 2025, over 1,965 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed and thousands wounded near aid distribution centers in Gaza.
UN human rights observers have confirmed that most of these killings were committed by Israeli military forces. Incidents include multiple killings near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid sites, as well as aid convoys, with documented attacks involving Israeli tanks and armed forces targeting civilians waiting for food.
The deaths of Palestinians seeking aid have been particularly tragic during tactical pauses intended to allow aid delivery. On specific dates—such as from late June through July—dozens of Palestinians were killed and injured at aid distribution points and convoy routes while seeking food.
The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israel's military would remain in the West Bank's refugee camps at least until the end of the year. This decision has led to the displacement of around 40,000 Palestinians in the West Bank this year, the largest displacement since Israel captured the territory in 1967.
The United Nations and independent experts consider the ministry the most reliable source on war casualties. According to the ministry, around half of the dead in the war are women and children. Two more Palestinian children died of malnutrition-related causes on Saturday, bringing the death toll among children in Gaza to 100 since the war began.
The prospect of expanding the war has sparked outrage, with some urging companies to declare a general strike next week. Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, one of the largest anti-government protests in recent months, appealing for an end to the violence.
Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose husband is among the hostages, has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff to halt the war. The Hamas-run government's ministry, staffed by medical professionals, doesn't distinguish between fighters or civilians in reporting war casualties.
This ongoing crisis has pushed the territory toward famine. Hospital officials received bodies from areas where Palestinians were seeking aid. Ten Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid near the Morag corridor, and seven people were killed in airstrikes.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the United Nations and human rights groups are calling for an immediate end to the violence and for unfettered access to humanitarian aid for all civilians in need.
[1] Human Rights Watch Report: "Israel/Palestine: Deadly Delays: Aid Obstruction in Gaza" [2] Amnesty International Report: "Israel/Palestine: Unlawful Killings of Civilians in Gaza" [3] UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Report: "Gaza: Aid Deliveries under Fire"
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