Deadly Airstrikes, Worsening Famine, and Stalled Ceasefire Talks Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Overnight, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people, according to health officials and the ambulance service. The majority of the victims were killed by gunfire while waiting for aid trucks near the Zikim crossing with Israel, as reported by staff at Shifa hospital. The Israeli army did not respond to requests for comment regarding the shootings.

The strikes also claimed the lives of four people in an apartment building in Gaza City, among others, according to hospital staff and the ambulance service. These events occurred amidst stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. and Israel recalled their negotiating teams on Thursday, creating further uncertainty about the talks' future.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government was considering "alternative options" to ceasefire talks. A Hamas official indicated negotiations were expected to resume next week, viewing the recall of the Israeli and American delegations as a pressure tactic. Egypt and Qatar, mediating the talks alongside the United States, stated the pause was temporary, but did not specify when talks would resume.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with Palestinians facing a risk of famine. Reports indicate an increasing number of deaths related to malnutrition. While Israel's army claims to allow aid into the enclave, the U.N. reports being hampered by Israeli military restrictions and incidents of looting.

The shootings at the Zikim crossing follow a previous incident where at least 80 Palestinians were killed while trying to access aid. Israel's military stated its soldiers shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians who posed a threat. One witness described people running towards what they thought were aid trucks, only to be met with gunfire from Israeli tanks.

Israel is facing growing international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Numerous countries, along with charity and human rights groups, have called for an end to the war, criticizing Israel's blockade and its aid delivery model.

Israel has begun allowing airdrops, requested by Jordan. A Jordanian official stated the airdrops will primarily contain food and milk formula. The U.K. is also working with Jordan to get British aid into Gaza. The World Central Kitchen is resuming limited cooking operations, aiming to serve 60,000 meals daily, less than half of its previous output.