A young boy inspects the site of an Israeli strike that killed Palestinians gathered at a water distribution point, according to medics, in central Gaza on July 13.
Several children lost their lives in Gaza on Sunday as an Israeli airstrike hit a water distribution center. The strike took place in central Gaza and has become a tragic symbol of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Health officials confirmed that six children were among the ten people killed in the attack. The strike occurred despite international hopes for a ceasefire, as talks in Doha continue to stall.
Death Toll Rises Sharply
According to the Palestinian health ministry, 139 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza within 24 hours. This marked the highest daily death toll since early July. The total number of Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, now stands at 58,026.
The strike at the water center, reportedly targeting an Islamic Jihad member, went awry. The Israeli military admitted the munition "fell dozens of meters from the target" and said the incident is under review.
More Deadly Strikes Across Central Gaza
In a separate attack on Sunday, an Israeli strike at a busy junction in central Gaza claimed at least 12 more lives. Among the dead was Dr. Ahmad Qandeel, a highly respected local physician. Over 40 others were injured in the blast.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, head of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, confirmed the casualties. He described the current situation as catastrophic.
Aid Access Turning Fatal
Saturday also saw violence near Rafah. Reports from the Palestinian health ministry say 27 people died when Israeli troops opened fire near a US-backed aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, GHF denied any incidents occurred near their locations.
Israel’s military also denied involvement but said it is still reviewing the reports.
Yet, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported treating 132 wounded at its field hospital. At least 31 died — the hospital’s deadliest day since opening in May 2024.
“This situation is unacceptable,” said the ICRC. “The scale and frequency of mass casualty incidents are horrifying.”
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) revealed that nearly 800 Palestinians have died attempting to access aid between late May and early July.
Northern Gaza Also Hit
Saturday’s airstrikes extended to the Al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza. Thirteen people were killed, including at least one child. Forty others were hospitalized. Video footage confirmed the presence of children among the victims.
The Israeli military said it had targeted more than 150 sites across Gaza, including Hamas weapons depots and tunnels.
Ceasefire Talks Struggle in Doha
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations in Doha have hit major roadblocks. Despite initial optimism, both Israel and Hamas now accuse each other of obstructing progress.
A senior Hamas official told CNN that talks had “stalled.” Israel allegedly introduced new demands, including fresh army deployment maps in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video message, claimed Israel accepted the latest US-proposed ceasefire deal. He accused Hamas of rejecting the proposal, calling it a tactic to remain in Gaza and rearm.
Netanyahu emphasized two main objectives: bringing home Israeli hostages and eliminating Hamas. “I will not compromise,” he stated.
Growing Pressure Within Israel
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of captives, criticized Netanyahu’s approach. They accused him of misleading the public and blocking a potential agreement for political gain.
“History will not forget,” the forum warned in a strong statement.
A Channel 12 poll showed 74% of Israelis support ending the war if it means the return of all hostages. Only 8% backed the government’s step-by-step deal strategy.
A Crisis Spiraling Deeper
Sam Rose, Acting Director of UNRWA, summed up the dire situation. “Conditions on the ground are worse than they’ve ever been,” he said. Civilians face grim choices daily: risk death to get aid or starve.
As bombs continue to fall and talks stall, Gaza remains trapped in a deadly cycle with no clear end in sight.
