Quick Read
- Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 38 people in a half-hour period.
- Targets included a school, an abandoned fuel station, and a family home.
- International leaders are urging Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- EU is reviewing trade relations with Israel over human rights concerns.
- The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands displaced and aid limited.
Dozens Killed in Intensified Israeli Strikes
In one of the deadliest nights in recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza claimed the lives of at least 38 Palestinians within a half-hour period, according to local medics. The strikes targeted multiple locations, including a school in eastern Gaza City, an abandoned fuel station in Nuseirat refugee camp, and a family home in Deir al-Balah. Rescue efforts remain challenging due to the intensity of the bombardments and limited resources.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza
The Musa bin Nusayr School, which was sheltering displaced families, suffered a direct hit, killing 10 people. In central Gaza, 15 more lives were lost when an airstrike targeted tents at the abandoned fuel station. Meanwhile, 13 members of the Abu Samra family perished in their home in Deir al-Balah. The Hamas-run civil defense agency has described the situation as “catastrophic,” with families unable to find safe refuge amid the ongoing violence.
International Community Reacts
Global leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Canada, have expressed alarm over the escalating violence. A joint statement from these nations urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider his military strategy. The statement comes as the European Union (EU) announced a review of its trade and political relations with Israel, citing concerns over human rights violations in Gaza.
EU Sanctions on the Horizon?
The EU, Israel’s largest trading partner, is considering measures that could significantly impact Israel’s economy. In 2024, trade between the two entities amounted to over €42 billion. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian aid access to Gaza, calling the current aid levels “a drop in the ocean.” Critics argue that Israel’s actions may violate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which mandates adherence to human rights.
Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
The United Nations has warned of dire consequences if aid does not reach Gaza promptly, with thousands of lives at risk, including children. While Israel has allowed limited aid into the territory, international observers deem this insufficient. Pressure is mounting on Israel to enact a ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s population.
As the conflict intensifies, the international community’s response will be crucial in determining the future of Gaza and its people. The escalating humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for a resolution that prioritizes human lives and dignity.
Source: Bbc, Arabnews