Israeli air strikes in Gaza have killed 12 guards protecting aid lorries, according to local medics and Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence.
The strikes occurred in Rafah and Khan Younis, as aid deliveries continue to face violent theft attempts.
In Rafah, seven guards were killed while protecting lorries carrying flour to warehouses for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa). Another attack in Khan Younis resulted in five more deaths, with the Civil Defence confirming injuries to around 30 others, including many children.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its operations targeted “armed Hamas terrorists” planning to hijack humanitarian aid.
“All of the terrorists that were eliminated were members of Hamas and planned to violently hijack humanitarian aid trucks,” the IDF said in a statement.
The strikes are part of Israel’s broader campaign to dismantle Hamas, following the group’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 others taken hostage. Since the war began, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 44,800 deaths in the territory.
UN workers report that violent armed theft remains a significant challenge in delivering aid to southern Gaza, with both civilians and remnants of Hamas police attempting to counter the criminal gangs.
According to Hamas, Israeli strikes have killed at least 700 police tasked with safeguarding aid since October.
Separate Israeli strikes near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and Gaza City in the north claimed the lives of 21 people, including six children, according to the Civil Defence.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire remain stalled, but Israel’s defence minister has suggested potential progress in discussions for a deal to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens.
