Israeli attacks have killed at least 71 Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid amid a deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, with hospitals in the besieged territory recording seven more deaths from famine and malnutrition. At least 51 people were killed and over 648 others were wounded by Israeli forces on Wednesday as they were heading towards the Zikim crossing point for aid trucks entering northern Gaza. More than 1,000 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed by Israeli forces near aid distribution sites run by the US and Israeli-backed GHF, which launched operations in late May.
The UN and other humanitarian organizations have heavily criticised the GHF for failing to provide enough aid and for the dire security situation at and around its aid distribution sites. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 154 people, including 89 children, having died of malnutrition, most in recent weeks. A global hunger monitor said on Tuesday that a famine scenario is unfolding.
At least 15 other people were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Wednesday, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Two separate Israeli air strikes in Gaza City killed three people, including Palestinian photojournalist Ibrahim Mahmoud Hajjaj, 35. Since the war began, Israeli attacks have killed at least 60,138 Palestinians and wounded more than 146,000 others.
Israeli media reports suggest the government is preparing a formal ultimatum to Hamas: agree to their terms of a ceasefire or face the annexation of territory. Negotiations between Hamas and Israel, with mediation from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are ongoing.
