Gaza pounded as deaths mount, calls grow for Israel to allow aid

Israeli forces intensified strikes on Gaza on Wednesday, killing 123 people in 24 hours — the deadliest day in a week — as the military prepares for a planned takeover of Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Palestinians should leave the enclave, a stance widely condemned by Arab states and world leaders as potential mass displacement.

Ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt are ongoing but stalled. Proposals include Hamas relinquishing governance and weapons in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal. The Palestinian Authority says it is ready to take full control of Gaza with international peacekeeping support, while Hamas says it could step aside for a non-partisan technocratic government but refuses to disarm before Israel leaves. Israel says it does not trust the PA to rule Gaza.

Israel is also facing criticism for tightening restrictions on foreign aid groups, with over 100 NGOs — including Doctors Without Borders — accusing it of blocking lifesaving supplies. At least 60 aid requests were rejected in July, and starvation deaths in Gaza have reached 235, including 106 children. Meanwhile, China has pledged funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and called for continued international support.

Credit: CGTN