Gaza’s civil defence company stated at the very least 18 individuals had been killed across the Palestinian territory on Saturday (August 9, 2025), together with civilians who had been ready to gather help.
Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal advised AFP that at the very least six individuals had been killed and 30 wounded after Israeli troops focused civilians assembling close to an help level in central Gaza.
The spokesman stated strikes hit areas elsewhere in central Gaza, leading to a number of casualties.
He later added {that a} drone assault close to the southern metropolis of Khan Younis killed at the very least three individuals and injured a number of others.
Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the territory imply AFP is unable to independently confirm the tolls and particulars offered by the civil defence and the Israeli army.
Thousands of Palestinians congregate each day close to meals distribution factors in Gaza, together with 4 managed by the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Since launching in late May, its operations have been marred by almost-daily stories of Israeli forces firing on these ready to gather help.
Israeli restrictions on the entry of provides into Gaza for the reason that begin of the battle practically two years in the past have led to shortages of meals and important provides, together with drugs and gas, which hospitals require to energy their mills.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting strain to safe a ceasefire to convey the territory’s greater than two million individuals again from the brink of famine and free the hostages held by Palestinian militants.
But early Friday, the Israeli safety cupboard accredited plans to launch main operations to grab Gaza City, triggering a wave of shock across the globe.
Despite the backlash and rumours of dissent from Israeli army prime brass, Netanyahu has remained defiant over the choice.
In a publish on social media late Friday, he stated “we are not going to occupy Gaza — we are going to free Gaza from Hamas”.
The Palestinian militant group, whose October 7, 2023 assault triggered the battle, has slammed the plan to increase the combating as a “new war crime”.
Israel’s offensive has killed greater than 61,000 Palestinians, in accordance with Hamas-run Gaza’s well being ministry, figures the UN says are dependable.
Hamas’s 2023 assault on Israel resulted within the deaths of 1,219 individuals, in accordance with an AFP tally based mostly on official figures.
