Gaza Bleeds as Israeli Strikes Hit Aid Centres, Cafe, School, & Hospital

Gaza is once again reeling from a fresh wave of deadly Israeli airstrikes that have claimed the lives of at least 95 Palestinians, with attacks targeting aid distribution sites, civilian shelters, a cafe, and a school. The latest escalation has drawn severe criticism from humanitarian groups as the toll on civilians mounts.

One of the attacks occurred at the Al-Baqa Cafe near the Gaza City port, where 39 people were killed. The cafe is known as a hub for students, journalists, and remote workers due to its internet access. The cafe had no known political or military affiliations, according to Al Jazeera. Reports indicate the strike came without warning. CNN footage geolocated to the scene showed heavy smoke and extensive destruction, with a crater marking the blast’s epicentre. A significant number of those killed were women, children, and students.

In a separate strike on Monday, Israeli forces bombed a food distribution warehouse, killing 15 Palestinians who had gathered for rations. The warehouse was run by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has faced increasing criticism. The GHF, backed by the US and Israel, replaced over 400 local aid distribution points with just four militarised zones, significantly reducing access to humanitarian assistance. Since its operation began, over 500 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, prompting calls from NGOs for the organisation’s shutdown.

According to the Israeli outlet Haaretz, soldiers have been deliberately firing at civilians near these aid distribution hubs.

Israeli airstrikes have also struck the Yafa School in Gaza City, a known shelter for displaced families. In Central Gaza, the Al-Aqsa Hospital, already overwhelmed by casualties, was bombed as thousands of displaced families sought refuge there. The continued targeting of medical facilities has all but collapsed Gaza’s healthcare system, severely hampering treatment for the wounded.

Simultaneously, reports of home demolitions and forced evacuations are increasing. The Israeli military is allegedly using threats to force displacement, raising alarms about a possible ground invasion. According to the United Nations, 80% of Gaza is now an Israeli-militarised zone or under forced displacement threats. 

As humanitarian agencies struggle to operate under increasingly dire conditions, international concern over the escalating violence and the targeting of civilian infrastructure continues to grow. As the death toll rises and access to food, shelter, and medical care becomes more limited, there is growing pressure on the international community to intervene. It underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and independent investigations into potential violations of international humanitarian law.

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