Gaza death toll rises to 57,888, 2.1mn Palestinians face famine

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 104 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since the war began—and through Sunday—to 57,888, reports Al Jazeera.

At least 421 people were injured, with nearly all casualties occurring while victims attempted to deliver food and supplies to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution center. Many of the 40 fatalities were killed as they waited in line for aid.

According to Gaza's government, 2.1 million Palestinians, including 650,000 children, are now facing famine conditions amid what they call "shameful international silence." Some 67 children have already died of starvation, while 1.25 million more are suffering from "catastrophic hunger."

Throughout Friday and Saturday, relentless Israeli bombing injured more than 400 people and killed over 100, primarily women and children. Hospitals reported that 61 bodies and more than 200 wounded were brought in over the 24‑hour period. Many remains still lie under rubble due to restricted rescue operations.

Eyewitnesses and hospitals also reported civilian deaths at food distribution sites. In Rafah, 10 people were reportedly killed near a GHF center waiting for aid, and 30 others were killed early Saturday near the same site. Another 130 were injured at the location.

Originally operating four centers across Gaza in May, the GHF has now left only the Rafah site open after closing three centers for maintenance. With limited aid points, many residents are forced to travel south, often through dangerous zones, to access food.

Since May, at least 828 Palestinians have been killed and 5,262 injured while trying to collect food from GHF centers, according to Gaza officials. The IDF issued new directives to soldiers in response to mounting international criticism over food‑related deaths.

Healthcare workers say a fuel shortage is crippling essential services. Hospitals are shutting down, bakeries are closed, water and sanitation systems are failing, and ambulances remain idle—pushing Gaza’s population of 2.1 million closer to collapse.

In the West Bank, settler violence continues unabated. A Palestinian man was beaten to death near Ramallah, and settlers have reportedly begun erecting tents on land near Hebron in preparation for new illegal settlements.