Gaza City — Over 300 Palestinians have died in the past 48 hours as Israeli forces escalated strikes across the Gaza Strip. This deadly surge has triggered widespread fears of a worsening humanitarian disaster and jeopardized ceasefire talks.
Civilian Deaths Mount Amid Relentless Airstrikes
The Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israeli forces carried out 26 attacks labeled as massacres since Tuesday. These strikes targeted overcrowded shelters, food distribution centers, and civilian gathering spots.
In just one day—Thursday—at least 73 Palestinians lost their lives, according to medical officials. Among them were 33 people waiting for food aid near distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the U.S. and Israel.
Targeting of Shelters and Schools
One airstrike hit a tent in al-Mawasi, killing 13 members of displaced families. Another bomb targeted Mostafa Hafez School in western Gaza, which served as a shelter for those fleeing northern bombardments. That strike killed 11 and wounded dozens more.
In response, Gaza authorities accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting civilians.
“The occupying forces targeted starving civilians searching for food and safety,” the Government Media Office stated.
Accusations Against U.S. Contractors
The crisis deepened with new reports about U.S. security contractors using live ammunition at GHF aid sites. Videos show contractors firing bullets and stun grenades at crowds desperate for food.
Two American contractors spoke anonymously to the Associated Press. They claimed many guards lacked proper training and operated without oversight.
“We were heavily armed, and no one questioned our tactics,” one contractor said.
This has led to serious concerns about the role of foreign personnel in escalating violence on the ground.
Ceasefire Talks in Danger
Negotiators from Egypt and Qatar had earlier hinted at progress in brokering a ceasefire. However, the latest wave of civilian deaths may derail talks. Diplomats now say both sides are hardening their positions.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that relief efforts could collapse entirely if fighting continues unchecked.
Global Outcry Grows Louder
International reactions have been swift and severe. Human rights groups are calling for independent investigations into attacks on shelters and aid stations. The United Nations has described the situation as:
“An unprecedented humanitarian disaster.”
Countries worldwide are urging Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire to avoid a total collapse of civil infrastructure and humanitarian support.
Conclusion
The last 48 hours have brought Gaza to the brink of a full-scale humanitarian breakdown. As over 300 civilians lose their lives, the hope for a ceasefire continues to fade. Without immediate international intervention and a halt to the violence, Gaza may face irreversible damage.
