**Israeli Air Strikes in Gaza Kill 56 People, Say Hospital Officials**
The situation in Gaza has taken a devastating turn as Israeli air strikes have resulted in the loss of at least 56 lives, according to reports from the Nasser hospital. The hospital’s corridors are crowded with casualties, including women and children, and its mortuary is full. This surge in violence comes as Israel intensifies its bombing campaign against what it claims are Hamas fighters and infrastructure.
**Background to the Conflict**
The Israeli military has been escalating its attacks on Gaza ahead of a planned expansion of its ground offensive in the region. The airstrikes have targeted areas that the Israeli military considers to be “terrorist strongholds.” However, this labeling has been disputed by many, as it includes hospitals, universities, and schools that are sheltering displaced people.
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire. A US-backed organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, announced that it will start work in Gaza within two weeks as part of a new aid distribution plan. However, this move has been heavily criticized by the UN and other aid agencies, who have warned of mass starvation among the 2.1 million population of Gaza. Israel has not allowed any aid or supplies into Gaza for 10 weeks, exacerbating the crisis.
**Evacuation Orders Cause Panic**
New Israeli evacuation orders have caused panic among residents of a crowded area in northern Gaza City. The Israeli military has declared that a hospital, a university, and several schools sheltering displaced people in the Rimal neighborhood will soon be attacked with “intense force.” This move has sparked fears among local residents, who are already struggling to cope with the devastating effects of the conflict.
**International Community Expresses Concern**
The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the situation in Gaza. The UN and aid agencies have repeatedly warned of the dire consequences of not allowing aid into Gaza. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how the Israeli military’s actions will impact the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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