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Gaza Airstrikes and Aid Restrictions
Israel carried out a new round of airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday that killed dozens of Palestinians during a supposed ceasefire.
“Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday... killing at least 15 Palestinians.”
Reported death tolls vary widely by outlet: at least 15 killed according to the Los Angeles Times, at least 21 according to the Daily Mail, at least 34 according to usmuslims, and at least 45 according to TRT World.
Israel said it struck after a militant group allegedly fired an anti-tank missile at its forces.
The militant group denied involvement and accused Israel of using a pretext to bomb Gaza.
Even as Israel escalated strikes, officials also moved to restrict aid, intensifying a crisis that rights groups and UN officials say is already marked by mass death and famine-level deprivation.
Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
Israel also suspended humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, worsening starvation, then reversed the decision under heavy U.S. pressure.
Israeli media reported that crossings would reopen, although Channel 12’s report of the reversal lacked official confirmation.
Multiple outlets said Washington pushed hard for aid to resume.
Meanwhile, UN and humanitarian data show aid is far below what Israel and mediators promised, with around 339 UN-coordinated trucks a day versus the pledged 600.
Some days, only about 70 trucks entered Gaza, while famine and malnutrition deaths continue to mount.
Israel claims it allows sufficient food and blames Hamas for diversions, which UN agencies and aid groups dispute.
Rafah Crossing and Hostage Dispute
Israel is keeping the Rafah crossing shut and is explicitly tying any reopening to the return of all 28 deceased hostages’ remains by Hamas.
“Israel is keeping the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed until Hamas returns the remains of all 28 deceased hostages; so far, 11 have been returned”
The numbers of bodies returned differ by outlet: some report 12 of 28, others 11, and some nine.
Hamas says many bodies are still trapped under rubble and that Israeli restrictions, heavy destruction, and lack of equipment slow recoveries.
Israel has also linked more aid and any Rafah opening to faster returns of the bodies.
Gaza authorities and media accuse Israel of using the hostage issue to collectively punish civilians by blocking medical evacuations and aid.
US Concerns on Gaza Conflict
Washington has warned—based on what it calls credible intelligence—that Hamas may attack Palestinian civilians in Gaza, which the U.S. says would violate the ceasefire.
Hamas denies the U.S. claim.
In parallel, multiple outlets report that Israel previously struck Hamas leaders in Qatar during ceasefire talks, a move U.S. officials criticized or viewed as a surprise and betrayal.
Some coverage also notes former President Trump signaled possible support for renewed Israeli military action if the deal collapses.
These narratives shaped U.S. pressure on Israel to resume aid while also publicly demanding Hamas uphold the ceasefire.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is extreme.
“nearly 68,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation, including famine and malnutrition-related child deaths... France has proposed a U.N. resolution to deploy an international force in Gaza”
Gaza authorities and multiple outlets report nearly 68,000 Palestinians killed and thousands missing.
Gaza City is facing famine, with more than 400 malnutrition deaths, many of them children.
UN agencies have rolled out a 60-day plan and World Food Programme shipments to address the crisis.
However, border closures, damaged infrastructure, and Israeli restrictions keep aid far below the needs.
Arab states, supported by France, Britain, and the U.S., are advancing a UN resolution for an international force to manage security and aid.
Israel claims it has allowed enough food and accuses Hamas of diverting supplies.
UN agencies publicly dispute Israel's claims, pointing to the low number of aid trucks and ongoing hunger deaths.