An Israeli drone strike killed six Palestinian men on Saturday in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said the men were Hamas fighters. However, Hamas denied the claim and said the men were helping protect aid trucks from looters. The strike happened during Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began after the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023.
Local sources in Gaza said the men were providing security to ensure that trucks carrying food and supplies could reach people in need. Witnesses claimed the men were armed but were not involved in fighting. Despite this, the Israeli army said they were targeted due to their involvement with Hamas operations.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported at least 60 deaths in the past 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. Israel said it carried out over 100 attacks during that time, hitting tunnels, rocket sites, and other Hamas-linked locations. The violence has made it harder for aid to reach civilians, many of whom are displaced and living in shelters.
There is growing disagreement between Israeli officials and Palestinian aid groups about how much aid is actually entering Gaza. Israel said it allowed 388 aid trucks through the Karem Shalom crossing since Monday. Palestinian agencies challenged this and reported only 119 trucks were allowed in. The numbers reflect the broader struggle over humanitarian access and growing distrust between both sides.
Local aid workers said that delivering supplies is a daily challenge. Trucks are often delayed by military checks, damaged roads, or security risks. Many people in Gaza lack food, clean water, and medicine. Humanitarian groups are calling for a more reliable system that allows faster and safer delivery of aid to all parts of the region.
At the same time, new reports have surfaced accusing Israeli soldiers of using Palestinian detainees as human shields. According to testimonies gathered by the Associated Press, several Palestinians were forced to enter homes and tunnels ahead of Israeli troops. These accounts describe physical abuse, threats, and repeated exposure to danger.
An Israeli officer reportedly confirmed that such actions were ordered by higher military officials. The Israeli military has officially denied these practices and stated that they are against army policy. They added that investigations are carried out when such incidents are reported. Still, human rights organizations are raising concerns about the ongoing conduct of the military in Gaza.
The war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on southern Israel. Around 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians. Hamas also took 251 hostages. Israeli officials say 58 hostages are still being held, with 20 believed to be alive.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 53,762 Palestinians have died in the conflict. Most of the victims are women and children. However, the numbers do not separate civilian deaths from those of fighters. The violence has caused widespread destruction and forced many families to flee their homes.
The ongoing war continues to draw global concern. Governments and aid groups are urging both sides to protect civilians and allow more aid into Gaza. But so far, there is little sign of peace or progress. The situation remains tense, and the need for humanitarian relief is growing each day.