GAZA/MALTA — At least 22 Palestinians have been killed in the past 24 hours as Israeli airstrikes pounded multiple areas across the Gaza Strip, according to health officials. The attacks come amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis under Israel’s ongoing siege, now entering its third month.
Among the dead were eight members of the same family in the Bureij refugee camp, while additional casualties, including women and children, were reported in Khan Younis and Abasan al-Kabira.
In a separate incident, a vessel from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and 30 pro-Palestinian activists was reportedly struck by drones in international waters off Malta. Though no injuries were reported, the ship caught fire and suffered a complete communication blackout due to damage to its electrical systems.
The Maltese government confirmed that all 30 individuals aboard—15 crew members and 15 passengers—were safe. However, they declined to board a tug vessel dispatched for rescue. The ship, loaded with aid for Gaza, is now immobile due to the extensive damage. The flotilla group blamed the attack on Israel or one of its allies, though Israeli authorities have not issued any comment.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. Amjad Shawa, head of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organisations Network, warned that Gaza has run out of food, medicine, and essential supplements for malnourished children.
“There is nothing left—no medication, no nutritional support. The entire population is starving, and most children are suffering from severe malnutrition,” Shawa said.
With much of the health infrastructure destroyed by months of warfare, hospitals are overwhelmed and unable to meet the growing needs of the wounded and sick. “Most medical facilities are either destroyed or non-functional and cannot treat the rising number of patients,” he added.
The Gaza Health Ministry continues to report civilian deaths almost daily as airstrikes persist and humanitarian aid remains blocked at most entry points.
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