Israeli strikes kill 123 in Gaza; 8 die from starvation

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 123 Palestinians and injured 437 others in the past 24 hours, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Additionally, eight people, including three children, also died from starvation and malnutrition amid the ongoing siege, reports Al Jazeera.

Medical officials said 55 people were killed on Wednesday (August 13) in Gaza City and Deir al-Balah, including 33 civilians seeking food aid. Four people were shot near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) center in southeast Deir al-Balah, and 13 more were killed near an aid center north of Rafah. Three others died in an airstrike on Al-Thani Street in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.

The Health Ministry reports that since the Israeli offensive began on October 7, 2023, at least 61,722 Palestinians have been killed and 154,525 injured. Starvation-related deaths stand at 235, including 106 children. Since GHF began distributing aid on May 27, Israeli forces have killed 1,345 people near its centers and 514 more along aid routes, with over 13,000 others injured while seeking food.

Israeli forces have intensified air and drone strikes in Gaza City’s Zeitoun, Sabra, and Sheikh Radwan areas as part of preparations to fully occupy the city, according to Al Jazeera. Anadolu and Wafa news agencies reported heavy attacks in Deir al-Balah.

Israel launched its assault following the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed alive. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the operation until Hamas is dismantled and the hostages are freed.