94 more killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, 6 die of starvation

Israeli forces have killed at least 94 more Palestinians in ongoing attacks across Gaza, including 29 aid-seekers. Another 439 people were injured and taken to hospitals. In addition, six more people, including a child, have died from enforced starvation and malnutrition in the besieged enclave.

According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, this brings the total death toll over nearly 22 months of war to 60,973, with at least 150,027 others injured. Meanwhile, the number of starvation-related deaths has risen to 181, of whom 94 were children.

Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera reported that despite announcing a “temporary pause” to facilitate humanitarian aid, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have continued air and drone strikes and ground assaults across Gaza. From Monday (August 4) dawn to evening, 41 Palestinians were killed in these operations, including 20 people who had come to collect food from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid centers supported by the U.S. and Israel. Another 53 were killed in overnight attacks from Sunday evening (August 3), including nine aid-seekers.

Sources at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, reported overwhelming pressure on Gaza’s collapsing healthcare system due to the constant bombardment and displacement. Hundreds of injured people sought treatment at emergency and outpatient departments within 24 hours. At least 38 people died upon arrival. A total of 166 were admitted for further treatment, and 132 were treated and discharged.

At Al-Awda Hospital, officials reported that Israeli forces opened fire near a GHF aid center in central Gaza, killing seven aid-seekers and injuring 20 others.

Emergency and ambulance services reported that two people, including a woman, were killed and more than 20 injured near another GHF distribution center in Al-Shakoush, on the outskirts of Rafah.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital stated that an Israeli airstrike on a house in Deir al-Balah killed three people. Palestinian media reported that four civilians were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential area in Shujaiya, Gaza City.

Meanwhile, Al-Aqsa TV reported that two Palestinians were killed and several others injured when Israeli forces attacked a group of residents in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.

Al-Ahli Hospital sources confirmed that seven people were killed in multiple Israeli shelling incidents in the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City.

Healthcare workers said they are operating under extreme pressure due to severe shortages of medical supplies, overcrowding, and a lack of specialist care. Many victims remain trapped under rubble or on the streets, where rescue teams are unable to reach them.

Gazan authorities have also reported that over 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks are still waiting outside the blockaded territory. Since July 27, Israel has slightly eased restrictions, allowing an average of 84 aid trucks per day. However, aid agencies state that at least 600 trucks are needed daily to meet basic needs. The United Nations warns that one million women and girls in Gaza are at risk of dying from hunger.

Hamas has stated that if Israel opens “humanitarian corridors” to allow aid to reach all civilians in Gaza, it will also allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to deliver aid to Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Last week, emaciated video footage of two Israeli hostages held by Hamas circulated widely. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the Geneva-based ICRC to urgently deliver food and medical aid to the hostages. In response, Hamas’s military wing signaled willingness to comply under certain conditions.

Approximately 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

On October 7, 2023, a Hamas attack killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel has continued military operations across Gaza.

Although a ceasefire was announced on January 19 under pressure from the U.S. and other mediators, the IDF resumed full-scale operations on March 18. Since the start of this second phase, 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 injured.