Israel is preparing for an imminent assault aimed at occupying Gaza City, after its security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to capture the northern city. The latest escalation comes as at least 64 Palestinians have been killed and over 2,000 injured in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip.
Eyewitnesses say Israeli soldiers opened fire on crowds of Palestinians attempting to reach a food distribution hub near Khan Younis, resulting in seven aid seekers being killed. The incident is part of a string of fatal incidents surrounding the humanitarian operations run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Critics have long argued that the GHF initiative, aimed at replacing traditional UN aid systems, has led to unnecessary violence and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has accused the UN of having Hamas combatants embedded within its staff, a claim rejected by the organization.
The dire situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as food shortages worsen, with 90% of the population at risk of starvation. At least eight people died from malnutrition-related causes on Sunday, and the total number of famine-related deaths has risen to 289.
Israel’s military actions are intensifying ahead of the planned assault, with air strikes targeting multiple locations across the strip. The war started in October 2023, following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people. While most hostages have been released, around 50 remain under Hamas captivity.
The death toll from Israel’s 22-month offensive on Gaza has reached over 63,000, with the UN estimating that two-thirds of deaths were women and children.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/24/at-least-64-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-in-the-past-24-hours-as-israel-shifts-focus-to-gaz