Over half the Palestinians killed in Gaza during the past week died in strikes on houses and tents, according to UN News. The UN human rights office OHCHR reported 629 Palestinian deaths in the last week, with at least 358 killed in attacks on shelters and residential buildings. Children and women comprised at least 148 of these victims.
The high number of strikes on shelters raises concerns that not all attacks targeted military objectives, OHCHR said. The existing destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure compounds these concerns about civilian protection.
Nine Palestinian journalists died last week, making it one of the worst weeks for media workers since the conflict began in October 2023. OHCHR said the journalists may have been deliberately targeted to restrict reporting on how the war affects civilians. The office called for international journalists to be allowed into Gaza with safety guarantees.
Aid began moving across Gaza after a nearly 80-day blockade, with 90 trucks carrying nutrition supplies, flour, and medicines crossing from Kerem Shalom on Wednesday. However, families still face high famine risk, and more aid is needed urgently.
Military operations continue across Gaza with ongoing strikes and ground incursions. Four major hospitals suspended services this week due to proximity to hostilities, leaving only 19 of 36 hospitals operational.
