**Nearly 100 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza, Witnesses Describe Chaos**
A devastating series of airstrikes by the Israeli military has left nearly 100 people dead in the Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter chaos and destruction as smoke bombs and artillery shells rained down on civilian areas.
“I was with my family when the bombardment started,” said Yousif Salem, a resident who escaped the strikes. “My brother’s home collapsed, killing 25 people inside. We had to flee quickly, leaving everything behind.”
Salem recounted how he and others tried to rescue relatives trapped under the rubble of his brother’s house. “We’re still searching for my sister,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion.
The Israeli military has launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group’s cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. Since then, at least 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. The Israeli government’s blockade of the strip has led to widespread shortages of food and medicine. Residents and aid organizations warn that people are starving, with a recent UN-backed report stating that Gaza’s entire population of 2.1 million is at critical risk of famine.
“This is not just a matter of aid being withheld; it’s a weapon of war,” said Pierre Krahenbuhl, the head of the Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. “We’re seeing a massive humanitarian crisis unfold in front of us.”
The US has proposed allowing in and distributing aid through private companies, but this plan was rejected by the UN. The deteriorating situation in Gaza has drawn concern from Washington, with President Trump acknowledging that “a lot of people are starving” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing his administration’s “troubled” views on the humanitarian situation.
**The Human Cost**
As the world watches the conflict unfold, the human cost is becoming increasingly clear. Fifty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, up to 23 of whom are believed to be alive. The psychological toll of this crisis will likely take years to recover from.
“We’re not just talking about numbers here; we’re talking about people’s lives,” said Salem, his voice cracking with emotion. “We’re talking about families torn apart, children orphaned… This is a tragedy that will haunt us for generations.”
**A Call to Action**
As the situation in Gaza continues to spiral out of control, there are calls for international action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
“We need to help out the Palestinians,” said President Trump. “We need to find a way to get aid to those who need it most.”
But with the Israeli government and Hamas at loggerheads, finding a solution seems increasingly elusive.
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