The death toll in Gaza climbed sharply on Tuesday, with at least 89 Palestinians killed in Israeli air and ground attacks since dawn, according to health officials. The majority of casualties were reported in Gaza City, where 48 people lost their lives in heavy bombardments targeting residential areas.
Medical sources told Al Jazeera that among the dead were 22 civilians who had gathered to collect aid in central and southern Gaza. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as Israeli strikes hit near distribution points, leaving bodies scattered and survivors rushing to hospitals already overwhelmed with casualties.
The surge in deaths comes as Israel intensifies its military operations across the strip, striking densely populated neighborhoods and refugee camps. Emergency crews say rescue efforts are being hampered by the destruction of roads and the continued risk of fresh strikes, making it difficult to reach trapped survivors.
Hospitals in Gaza, already crippled by shortages of medicine, fuel, and equipment, are struggling to cope with the influx of wounded. Doctors have warned that the rising toll may be even higher, as many people remain buried under rubble in areas that are inaccessible to ambulances.
Local residents say the attacks have spread fear across communities already devastated by months of bombardment. “People went out only to get food and aid for their families, and they never came back,” one resident said. “Now we are even afraid to stand in line for bread.”
The ongoing strikes have left thousands displaced, with humanitarian groups warning that the situation is rapidly worsening. Aid organizations continue to call for safe corridors to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza’s besieged population, but conditions remain dire on the ground.
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