Israeli Forces Pummel Gaza Strip, Killing Dozens as Ceasefire Talks Stall

Strategic Insights -

Dozens of Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Monday, bringing the death toll to 838 near aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The Israeli military confirmed that three soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on a tank in Gaza City. Amid a deepening fuel and hunger crisis, UN agencies continue to plead for more aid to be allowed into Gaza, where famine looms and a severe fuel shortage has crippled the already battered healthcare sector. Despite an agreement between Israel and the European Union to improve the humanitarian situation, aid flows into Gaza have not increased, according to Egypt's foreign minister.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 72 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks, including several aid seekers, bringing the death toll to 838 near aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
  • Israeli forces resumed stepping up attacks in northern Gaza and Gaza City, with reports of massive air strikes leveling residential buildings.
  • The Israeli military confirmed that three soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on a tank in Gaza City.
  • The Wafa news agency reported that at least 24 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City and dozens more were wounded.
  • Egypt's foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said that aid flows into Gaza have not increased despite an agreement between Israel and the European Union.
  • The EU's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, said that the bloc and Israel agreed to improve Gaza's humanitarian situation, including increasing the number of aid trucks and opening crossing points and aid routes.
  • Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar referred to an understanding with the EU but did not provide details on the implementation.
  • Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," with a "real catastrophe" resulting from the continuation of the Israeli siege.
  • Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas entered a second week, with mediators seeking to close the gap between the two sides.
  • Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the main obstacle to a deal, with Netanyahu saying he wants to see the Palestinian group destroyed.

Statistics:

  • Death toll near aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: 838 (as of March 13)
  • Number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza City: 24 (as reported by the Wafa news agency)
  • Number of Israeli soldiers killed in a rocket attack: 3 (as confirmed by the Israeli military)
  • Number of aid trucks reported to be increased under the agreement between Israel and the European Union: not specified
  • Number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Monday: at least 72
  • Number of Palestinians wounded in Israeli attacks on Monday: dozens

Sources:

  • Wafa news agency
  • AFP news agency
  • Al Jazeera
  • The Jerusalem Post
  • Egypt's foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty
  • EU's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini
  • Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar
  • Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi
  • Hamas spokesperson
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
  • United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA