Israeli Strikes Kill 21 in Gaza as Aid Groups Warn of Starvation and Ceasefire Talks Continue

At least 21 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza late Tuesday and early Wednesday, according to local health officials, as humanitarian conditions in the territory continue to deteriorate. Health authorities reported that more than half of those killed were women and children, with strikes hitting residential areas in Gaza City and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The World Health Organization warned that over 2 million people in Gaza face starvation, citing a sharp increase in malnutrition and related diseases. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said acute malnutrition rates exceed 10%, with more than 20% of pregnant and breastfeeding women affected, and noted that the collapse of aid pipelines has worsened the crisis. A recent attack destroyed the agency’s main warehouse in Deir al-Balah, further limiting the delivery of supplies.

The United Nations and international organizations continue to describe Gaza’s Health Ministry as the most reliable source for casualty data, reporting over 59,000 deaths since the start of the conflict, with more than half being women and children. The U.N. human rights office stated that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since May while seeking food, mostly near aid distribution sites.

On Wednesday, 115 human rights and charity organizations issued a letter urging increased aid to Gaza and warning of widespread starvation. The letter criticized Israeli restrictions on humanitarian deliveries and described chaos and violence at food distribution points. Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected these claims, stating that it has facilitated the entry of around 4,500 aid trucks since May and accused aid groups of "echoing Hamas’ propaganda."

Ceasefire negotiations are ongoing, with a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, scheduled to meet U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in Rome to discuss the talks. U.S. officials indicated that Witkoff’s trip to Europe signals potential progress toward a deal.

Meanwhile, Israel’s parliament approved a symbolic motion calling for the annexation of the West Bank, a move with no immediate legal effect but which could influence future policy debates. The Israeli military also reported ongoing operations in Gaza City and northern Gaza, stating that airstrikes targeted militant positions.

In other developments, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations accused the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA of bias and announced increased security vetting for its staff. OCHA responded that any reduction in staff would further hinder efforts to deliver life-saving aid. The Israeli military also confirmed that a recent strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church was accidental, expressing regret for the incident, which killed three people and injured ten.

Human Rights Watch condemned recent attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, labeling them violations of the laws of war. In Gaza, the detention of Dr. Marwan al-Hams, acting director of field hospitals, was extended, with rights groups reporting that he has not had access to legal counsel.