Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 12 guards assigned to protect humanitarian aid deliveries, according to local medics and Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence.
The attacks occurred in the Rafah and Khan Younis regions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing aid amid the conflict.
In Rafah, seven guards were killed while safeguarding lorries transporting flour to warehouses managed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). A similar strike in Khan Younis claimed five lives and left approximately 30 others injured, including many children, as confirmed by the Civil Defence.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its operations targeted “armed Hamas terrorists” allegedly planning to hijack the aid. In a statement, the IDF said, “All of the terrorists that were eliminated were members of Hamas and planned to violently hijack humanitarian aid trucks.”
The strikes form part of Israel’s broader military campaign against Hamas, following the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which led to the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 individuals. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 44,800 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began.
Humanitarian aid delivery in southern Gaza faces increasing obstacles due to violent thefts, with reports indicating that civilians, criminal gangs, and remnants of Hamas police have clashed during these attempts. Hamas claims that at least 700 of its police tasked with securing aid have been killed by Israeli strikes since October.
Separate airstrikes near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and Gaza City in the north caused 21 additional fatalities, including six children, according to the Civil Defence.
While discussions for a ceasefire remain stalled, Israel’s Defence Minister has hinted at potential progress in negotiations to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens. The situation remains dire, with calls for urgent international intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
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