Gaza City, July 1 (V7N) — At least 72 Palestinians have been killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave deepens by the day. Among the dead are civilians who had gathered at food distribution centers in hopes of receiving desperately needed aid.

Medical sources in Gaza told Al Jazeera on Monday that the strikes, which began early Sunday morning, resulted in at least 47 deaths in Gaza City and its northern districts alone. The attacks targeted multiple residential and commercial zones, leading to mass casualties and overwhelming hospitals.

Muwaffaq Al-Kahlout, Al Jazeera's correspondent reporting from Gaza City, said that Israeli warplanes struck the Zeitoun, Sabra, and Al-Jawiya market neighborhoods, causing heavy destruction. Following the attacks, a large number of injured residents were rushed to Al-Ahli Hospital in northern Gaza, which continues to operate under severe strain due to shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and staff.

Local authorities and humanitarian organizations warn that the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly catastrophic. Food, clean water, and basic medical care remain critically scarce. Daily bombings have made distribution of humanitarian aid nearly impossible in many parts of the territory.

The recent strikes come amid ongoing military operations by Israel in response to the October 2023 escalation. However, international agencies and human rights groups have repeatedly raised alarm over the disproportionate impact on civilians, particularly in densely populated areas like Gaza.

With many residents displaced and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, the humanitarian emergency is now entering a new and perilous phase. The United Nations and other international bodies continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian relief.

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