Israeli airstrikes kill 52 in Gaza amid growing calls for ceasefire

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At least 52 people have been killed across Gaza in Israeli airstrikes since dawn, according to medical sources reported by Al Jazeera.

Among those killed, at least 26 died in Israeli drone attacks while waiting for food and aid being distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial organization backed by the United States and Israel.

Gaza’s al-Awda Hospital received 10 bodies and approximately 200 injured individuals after drones struck a civilian gathering near an aid distribution point at the Netzarim checkpoint.

The al-Shifa Hospital also reported receiving six bodies following similar drone strikes on aid queues in the northwestern Gaza areas of Netzarim and as-Sudaniya.

The GHF's aid distribution model has faced sharp criticism from the United Nations, with UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini calling it "deeply flawed."

He further criticised the operation, comparing the situation to a "dystopian ‘Hunger Games.’" Lazzarini urged the UN to take charge of providing humanitarian aid to avoid exacerbating the crisis.

In addition to the airstrikes, two Palestinians were killed in Israeli shelling in the Bir an-Naaja area near Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, communication lines in Gaza were disrupted, with Hamas condemning the move as part of Israel's "war of extermination." The blackout has hindered emergency services and humanitarian coordination, leaving organizations like UNRWA unable to contact their staff in Gaza.

As these incidents unfold, the United Nations General Assembly is preparing to vote on a draft resolution urging an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.

Diplomats anticipate overwhelming support for the resolution, despite opposition from Israel, which has lobbied against what it calls a "politically motivated, counterproductive" move.

Last week, the United States vetoed a similar resolution in the UN Security Council.

The violence and humanitarian crisis continue to escalate as the international community seeks a resolution, with the UN General Assembly vote representing a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.