Israeli Airstrikes Kill 23 in Gaza, Totaling 52,800 Deaths Amid 3-Month Blockade

Israel's ongoing military operations and blockade in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 23 Palestinians, including children and their parents in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, as reported by health officials. The blockade, now in its third month, has severely restricted the entry of essential supplies, exacerbating the situation. The United Nations and various aid groups have criticized Israel's control over aid distribution, rejecting a proposed plan by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a group of American security contractors and former military and humanitarian officials. The blockade has led to the closure of many charity kitchens, the primary source of food in Gaza, due to dwindling supplies. In the past 24 hours, 124 others were injured in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in over 52,800 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, with more than half being women and children, and over 119,000 wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel resumed its bombardment on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. The blockade is seen by rights groups as a 'starvation tactic' and a potential war crime, with Israel claiming it aims to pressure Hamas to release hostages and disarm. Recent attacks have targeted areas including Tuffah neighborhood, Rafah, Jabaliya, Shijaiyah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Al-Mawasi, Deir Al-Balah, and Khan Younis.