Live Updates: Israel kills and wounds 'dozens' waiting for food aid in Gaza

Friday, March 15, 2024

03:40 GMT — Israel kills and wounds 'dozens' waiting for food aid in Gaza

Israel has targeted Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in besieged Gaza, killing and wounding dozens, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said, adding that the death toll may rise as at least 21 bodies and more than 155 wounded were shifted to hospitals.

The Palestinians were waiting for humanitarian aid at Gaza's Kuwaiti roundabout, the ministry said in a statement, adding it demonstrated "Israel's premeditated intent to carry out a new and horrific massacre."

The process of evacuating the dead and injured is under way despite the challenging conditions in the region, it said. The death toll could increase due to the serious condition of the wounded, who are being treated at nearby hospitals, the statement added.

03:13 GMT — Netanyahu's office says new Hamas truce position still 'unrealistic'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has said a new besieged Gaza truce proposal presented by the resistance group Hamas to mediators was still based on "unrealistic demands."

The statement said an update on the issue will be presented to the war cabinet and extended security cabinet on Friday.

02:30 GMT — US locks in UN resolution backing efforts to broker Gaza truce

The US finalised its draft UN Security Council resolution on Israel's war on besieged Gaza, traditionally the final step before asking for a vote on the text that would back international efforts to broker an immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage release deal.

The final draft, seen by the Reuters news agency, "unequivocally supports international diplomatic efforts to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire as part of a deal that releases the hostages, and that allows the basis for a more durable peace to alleviate humanitarian suffering."

It was not immediately clear when or if the US would ask the 15-member council to vote on the text negotiated over the past month. To pass, a resolution needs at least nine votes and no vetoes by the US, France, Britain, Russia or China.

The US could still make further changes to the draft.

For our live updates from Thursday, March 14, click here.