Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed 12 guards safeguarding humanitarian aid trucks, according to local medics and Hamas-run Civil Defence officials. The strikes, which occurred in Rafah and Khan Younis, have further highlighted the risks facing aid deliveries amid escalating violence in the region.
In Rafah, seven guards were killed while securing trucks carrying flour to UNRWA warehouses. Another strike in Khan Younis claimed the lives of five guards and left around 30 others injured, including children, according to Civil Defence reports.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes targeted “armed Hamas terrorists” allegedly planning to seize the aid. “All of the terrorists that were eliminated were members of Hamas and planned to violently hijack humanitarian aid trucks,” the IDF said in a statement.
Since the war erupted following Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, over 44,800 deaths have been reported in Gaza by the Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli operations have intensified, aiming to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure and influence in the region.
In addition to these incidents, Israeli strikes near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and Gaza City in the north killed 21 people, including six children, according to Civil Defence. Meanwhile, the UN continues to report challenges in delivering aid to southern Gaza, citing violent theft by armed groups and disruptions from remnants of Hamas police.
Efforts toward a ceasefire remain stalled, although Israel’s defense minister has suggested progress in discussions for a potential deal to release hostages, including American citizens.
