At least 14 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli airstrikes since the early hours of today, further escalating the ongoing violence in the region.
The rising death toll comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with a severe hunger crisis gripping the territory. Aid officials have raised alarms about an increasing number of food store lootings, signaling growing desperation among residents. The looting of food supplies, including community kitchens, is a direct consequence of Israel’s ongoing blockade, which has led to severe shortages of essential goods, especially after Israel halted its supply deliveries to Gaza two months ago.
According to Amjad al-Shawa, the director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) in Gaza, the looting reflects the dire situation faced by Gazans. “The looting is a grave signal of how serious things have become in the Gaza Strip—widespread hunger, loss of hope, and growing desperation among the population. This is compounded by the absence of law enforcement, further undermining stability in the region,” al-Shawa stated.
The widespread desperation is attributed to the prolonged siege, violent confrontations, and the breakdown of infrastructure, which has left the people of Gaza with limited resources and support. “While the looting is devastating, it is not surprising given the total systemic collapse we are witnessing,” al-Shawa added. “This is the tragic consequence of a society that has been brought to its knees by years of siege, military aggression, and blockade.”
As the violence continues, both the humanitarian and security situations in Gaza grow increasingly dire, with international calls for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing loss of civilian life. The escalating toll underscores the need for immediate attention to prevent further loss of life and to address the grave humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
