United Nations human rights observers have condemned the intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reporting that 26 individuals lost their lives. The observers deemed the escalating Israeli assaults unacceptable, particularly as families were preparing for the holiday.
Initial reports indicate that on May 26, 12 Palestinians were killed in three airstrikes. On the preceding day, a young girl, a woman, and a young child succumbed to injuries sustained in a prior attack. In Central Gaza, four men were reportedly killed in an airstrike while allegedly resisting attempts to search their homes in a camp. In Khan Younis, two men died when their vehicle was targeted.
A third airstrike on an apartment building in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of a newly appointed commander of the Hamas El Kassam Brigades, his wife, their three children, and a woman passing by. On May 27, ten individuals allegedly linked to the El Kassam Brigades were killed in an attack.
Deaths, Displacement, and Deprivation Continue
The UN Office noted that since October 7, 2023, the total death toll has reached approximately 73,000, according to local authorities. Since the ceasefire was declared in October, Israeli forces have reportedly killed 922 Palestinians in attacks. At least 32 children and eight women have died in post-ceasefire assaults.
With the ongoing blockade of Gaza, Palestinians are deprived of adequate shelter, essential medicines, food, and other necessities. Nearly the entire population has been displaced, concentrating into an increasingly shrinking strip of land due to numerous evacuation orders in recent days.
Dire Conditions, ‘Unthinkable’ Attacks
Human rights observers also announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Israeli forces to expand their deployment across 70% of Gaza’s territory. They highlighted that the continuous shrinking of areas designated for civilians raises questions about access to humanitarian aid and the ability to find safety.
Ajith Sunghay, Head of the UN Office for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, expressed ongoing concerns about war crimes in Gaza. Sunghay stated, “It is already immensely difficult to sustain life under conditions of chronic displacement under blockade in Gaza, where essential systems like health, education, food production, safety, and public order have been virtually obliterated by Israeli attacks. Continued military attacks on a population living in these conditions are unthinkable.”
Airstrike Near Aid Facilities
In a separate development, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported an airstrike on a residential area near five humanitarian aid facilities in Deir el-Balah on Thursday. No casualties were reported in this incident. This occurred shortly after the Israeli military had issued instructions for residents in the area to remain in their homes.
OCHA continues to call for the opening of more crossing points to allow the entry of humanitarian and commercial supplies, as only the Kerem Shalom crossing is currently operational. Humanitarian partners provided mental health and psychosocial support, along with other protection services, to over 10,000 individuals between May 11-17. These services included recreational activities, art and drama sessions, counseling, and parental support in shelters, camps, schools, and displacement areas. OCHA reiterated the need for fuel, safe spaces, personnel, and other essential resources to continue these services.
