The strike, reported by Palestinian officials, hit a facility used to store humanitarian supplies in central Gaza. The Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, said the warehouse was 'completely destroyed' and that the casualties included warehouse workers and people seeking shelter nearby. The ministry's statement warned that the attack would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation, with food, clean water, and medical supplies running critically low.
Israel's military has not commented on the specific incident, but has previously stated that it targets militant infrastructure and takes precautions to avoid civilian harm. The IDF has accused Hamas of using civilian facilities, including warehouses and hospitals, for military purposes — a charge Hamas denies. This latest strike comes amid continued Israeli operations in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023. Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced the vast majority of the population.
International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine. The United Nations has documented systematic obstacles to delivering aid, including Israeli restrictions, active hostilities, and the breakdown of civil order. The destruction of yet another storage facility is likely to worsen the situation. 'Every warehouse we lose means fewer meals for families, fewer medical kits for clinics,' a spokesperson for the World Food Programme told news agencies, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The strike also raises legal questions. Under international humanitarian law, attacking objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population — such as foodstuffs, crops, and water installations — is prohibited unless used solely for military purposes. Human rights groups have called for independent investigations into such attacks, though Israel has largely rejected international probes, saying its own military has robust internal review mechanisms.
On the ground, the health system is near collapse. The Health Ministry's warning of a 'complete collapse of the basic necessities of life' echoes statements from the WHO and other bodies. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with Hamas demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and Israel insisting on the destruction of Hamas's military capabilities. The destruction of this aid warehouse may further harden positions on both sides.