Gaza: The second day of Eid brought no respite from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of at least 36 more Palestinians. Among the casualties were six individuals reportedly killed near a US backed aid distribution center, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by civilians seeking essential humanitarian assistance in the besieged territory.

The tragic incident unfolded near the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) aid center in Rafah. This particular center had recently resumed its operations after a temporary suspension due to earlier violence. The Gaza Media Office reports a grim toll of over 100 Palestinians killed and 581 injured in Israeli attacks on aid locations in Rafah between May 27 and June 6 alone.

Amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis, the United Nations World Food Programme has issued an urgent plea for the immediate restoration of unhindered aid access into Gaza. Concurrently, the Israeli army has reportedly issued new forced evacuation orders for additional areas in northern Gaza, further displacing an already vulnerable population.

This latest surge in casualties follows a deadly first day of Eid on Friday, when Israeli airstrikes and firing claimed the lives of 42 Palestinians. Gaza’s Ministry of Health states that the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 54,677 Palestinian deaths and over 125,000 injuries since its onset, underscoring the devastating human cost of the protracted hostilities.