Israeli strikes kill 288 in Gaza, 99 killed near aid sites; 59 massacres in 100 hours
Gaza: The Government Media Office in Gaza has accused Israeli forces of committing 59 massacres over the past 100 hours, resulting in the deaths of 288 Palestinians, including 99 individuals killed near aid distribution points. The office described the attacks as deliberate, targeting civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly, amid efforts to access food and shelter.
According to the statement, a total of 1,088 people have been injured in the latest wave of attacks, many in areas designated as humanitarian aid zones. “The so-called aid points have become death traps,” the statement read, alleging that Israel is intentionally targeting civilians at food lines, displacement centers, and overcrowded shelters.
"The occupation deliberately bombed public recreation areas, markets, homes, and shelters where tens of thousands of displaced people had gathered," the statement added. Among the areas hit was Al-Mawasi, previously declared a “safe zone” by Israeli forces. Civilians attempting to access food in this area were also reportedly killed.
The Media Office condemned the Israeli actions as “brutal crimes” and held the occupation forces fully responsible. It called on international humanitarian and legal bodies to intervene and halt what it described as a “systematic daily genocide.”
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has also raised alarm over critical shortages of blood supplies. In the past month alone, Gaza hospitals have used 10,000 units of blood, but only 3,500 units have been replenished. Hospitals and medical clinics have also been bombed, further crippling emergency response capacity.
Since the escalation of Israel’s military campaign following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, Gaza health authorities report a total of 57,418 Palestinians killed and 136,261 injured, with the majority being women and children.
The Health Ministry also noted that more than 700 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while attempting to access food. At least 743 deaths and 4,891 injuries have been reported at distribution sites run by the controversial U.S.-Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The Government Media Office concluded its statement with a plea to the international community to act swiftly to prevent further loss of civilian life and to ensure accountability for ongoing violations.
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Voting begins for Assam's 126 assembly seats
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Guwahati (PTI): Polling for all 126 Assam assembly constituencies began on Thursday to decide the electoral fate of 722 candidates, officials said.
In the high-stakes election, the ruling BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress seeks to wrest power after being ousted in 2016.
Polling, being held in a single phase, began at 7 am and will conclude at 5 pm. Long queues of voters were seen outside polling stations from early morning.
An electorate of 2.50 crore, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender, can exercise their franchise in 31,490 polling stations across the state.
Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi, assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Leader of the opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
Several cabinet ministers, including the AGP’s Atul Bora and Keshav Mahanta, and the BPF’s Charan Boro are also in the fray.
The Congress has the highest of 99 contestants, followed by the BJP (90), AIUDF (30), NDA allies AGP (26) and BPF (11).
Opposition alliance’s Raijor Dal is contesting in 13, AJP in 10, CPI(M) in 3 and APHLC in 2. Outside the two coalitions, the AAP is contesting in 18 seats, UPPL in 18, TMC 22, JMM 16 and there are 258 independents.
The ruling NDA’s main constituents are the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF) while the opposition alliance comprises the Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI(M), All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) and CPI(ML).
The counting of votes is scheduled on May 4.
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