Israel has carried out extensive airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, focusing on Deir al-Balah, the central location for aid distribution in the besieged Palestinian region, as concerns grow over worsening hunger in the area.
The latest offensive follows a deadly incident the previous day, where Israeli forces reportedly killed at least 85 Palestinians waiting for food assistance—the highest single-day casualty count in nearly two years.
According to the World Food Programme, those killed had gathered near the border with Israel, hoping to receive flour from a UN aid delivery when they came under fire from Israeli tanks and snipers.
On Monday, the UK and 24 other nations released a strongly worded statement denouncing the repeated killing of Palestinians seeking aid in recent weeks and urging an immediate halt to hostilities.
“It is shocking that more than 800 Palestinians have died while trying to access food. The deliberate obstruction of essential aid to civilians by Israeli authorities is inexcusable. Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law,” the statement read.
Residents reported intense overnight bombing in Deir al-Balah—one of the last areas in Gaza largely untouched by heavy destruction and now crowded with displaced people from across the territory.
Israeli officials have suggested that the military has avoided extensive operations there due to suspicions that Hamas may be holding hostages in the area. At least 20 of the remaining 50 captives in Gaza are thought to be alive.
The renewed Israeli attacks came despite claims in Hebrew-language news outlets that Hamas was nearing an agreement on a potential ceasefire.
The assault followed evacuation orders for an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people in Deir al-Balah, bringing the total area of Gaza under such directives to nearly 87%.
“With this latest evacuation order, displacement zones now cover 87.8% of Gaza, forcing around 2.1 million civilians into a fragmented 12% of the strip where critical services have collapsed,” the UN’s humanitarian coordination office stated.
With famine risks increasing, the UN emphasized the vital role of Deir al-Balah, where aid warehouses, medical facilities, and a key water treatment plant for southern Gaza are situated. “Any harm to these structures could have devastating consequences,” it warned.
As concerns mount over the ongoing attacks, the UN confirmed that its senior official in Gaza had chosen to remain in Deir al-Balah despite the dangers.
“Just spoke to Jonathan Whittall,” wrote Tom Fletcher, a senior UN humanitarian official, in a post late Sunday.
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