57 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 57 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes while attempting to seek aid in Gaza over the past 24 hours, according to a media report.

Many of the victims were shot dead while waiting near the Zikim crossing into Israel for trucks carrying aid, the Guardian reported.

It’s become increasingly common for large crowds, desperate for food, to gather and wait for aid deliveries, as widespread starvation continues to ravage the territory.

Humanitarian organizations widely blame Israel’s blockade for exacerbating the crisis.

In addition, at least 124 people have died from starvation in Gaza, including 84 children, the Palestinian news agency reported. On Saturday morning, an infant died from malnutrition—marking the third baby to die from hunger in just 24 hours.

Israeli airstrikes continued to claim more lives across Gaza, including four people killed in an apartment building in Gaza City on Saturday.

These deaths come as ceasefire negotiations appear to have stalled, with both the US and Israel withdrawing their teams from talks in Doha on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump blamed Hamas for the collapse, stating that he didn’t believe the group was interested in reaching a deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also indicated on Friday that he was considering “alternative options” to the ceasefire talks, though he did not elaborate on what those options might entail.

Hamas officials have dismissed the accusations and denied responsibility for the breakdown in discussions, calling the Israeli and US withdrawals part of a negotiating tactic. Egypt and Qatar, which are mediating the talks, have suggested that discussions could resume soon.

sa