Israeli Troops Kill 37 Civilians Near Aid Points in Gaza

At least 37 Palestinians, including 30 civilians waiting to collect aid, were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. The fatalities occurred near a border crossing in northern Gaza and an aid point in central Gaza, with additional casualties from strikes in central Gaza and a drone attack near Khan Yunis. Thousands of Palestinians gather daily at food distribution points amid severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel due to Israeli restrictions on supplies since the war began nearly two years ago. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing pressure to agree to a ceasefire to prevent famine and secure the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants, but he has approved plans for a major operation to seize Gaza City, maintaining a firm stance against Hamas. The Israeli military denies targeting aid seekers, claiming it fires warning shots at perceived threats and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields. Media access limitations in Gaza make independent verification of casualty figures difficult.