At least 20 Palestinian civilians died in early‑morning Israeli airstrikes yesterday, as homes in western Khan Younis were destroyed, according to reports. One strike hit the residence of the Nofal family, killing 11 individuals, while another flattened the Zaarab family’s apartment, killing 5 and injuring over 30, including women and children, with several still trapped under rubble. Another airstrike in Deir al‑Balah claimed the life of a woman and injured others in Al‑Bassa neighbourhood.

These attacks occurred despite Israel’s announcement of a so‑called “humanitarian pause” on Sunday evening. Residents, however, say the bombardment did not halt, air and artillery strikes continued across densely populated areas, including Shuja’iyya in Gaza City and the Al‑Salah Association zone in Deir al‑Balah. Homes were demolished in eastern Gaza, and artillery pounded Al‑Shuja’iyya Club and the Al‑Katiba area in Khan Younis, escalating the devastation.

Now into its 22nd month, the war has left Gaza on the verge of collapse: hospitals stagger under the weight of casualties, aid is scarcely accessible, and famine and disease grip displaced populations. Aid groups and UN agencies warn of a humanitarian catastrophe, citing repeated strikes near food distribution sites and civilians queuing for relief.

Conditions now satisfy famine thresholds, widespread starvation, collapsing healthcare, and mass displacement define life in Gaza. Human rights organisations, including Israeli groups such as B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, have accused Israel of orchestrating mass destruction that constitutes genocide, as do multiple UN‑backed experts.

As of late July, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports the death toll has surpassed 60,000 Palestinians, many women and children, with over 145,000 injured. The humanitarian pause remains insufficient amidst daily violence and restricted aid, while global outrage and legal scrutiny intensify