Over 60 dead including aid seekers as Israeli strikes hit Gaza

At least 61 Palestinians, such as 39 aid seekers, were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, Middle East Eye reported via Al Jazeera on June 11th.

Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City received 27 bodies. Seven bodies arrived at al-Awda in Nuseirat, two arrived at al-Aqsa in Deir al-Balah, and 25 arrived at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Gaza’s Government Media Office stated that Israeli forces are creating chaos through starvation tactics and are targeting civilians seeking food. It cited attacks by helicopters, and tanks on men and children collecting aid.

Amid the Gaza crisis, on June 5th, the BBC reported and Maghrebi cited that the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution urging for an “unconditional and permanent” ceasefire.

Fourteen members backed the resolution, which also urged for the liberation of hostages and the removal of aid restrictions. The resolution highlighted urgent concerns over aid access, as over two million people in Gaza face the risk of starvation.

Against a backdrop of ongoing concerns over humanitarian access, Amnesty International condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen in a statement issued on June 9th, describing the act as illegal, according to Middle East Eye.

The rights group stated that the unarmed crew were activists on a humanitarian mission and should be released immediately. Amnesty accused Israel of deliberately blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

It described the Madleen as a symbol of solidarity and criticised the international community’s failure to end Israel’s blockade of the region.

Additionally, Palestinians in Gaza reported being shot at while heading to an aid centre, as the BBC reported on June 9th. Witnesses said both local gunmen and Israeli forces opened fire near the Tal al-Sultan site in Rafah. Some of the gunmen were masked and dressed in civilian clothes.

Gaza’s health ministry confirmed six deaths and 99 cases of people being injured. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the reports. Deadly incidents have continued near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites since May 26th.

Al Jazeera, BBC, Middle East Eye, Amnesty International, Maghrebi.org