Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 78 Palestinians across Gaza on Monday, including a pregnant woman whose newborn died after a complex emergency cesarean, local health officials reported. The violence, which claimed dozens seeking food, unfolded despite Israel’s new measures to ease aid delivery restrictions amid a worsening hunger crisis.

Among the casualties was Soad al-Shaer, seven months pregnant, killed in an airstrike on a house and tents in Muwasi, Khan Younis. Her baby girl, delivered via emergency surgery, died hours later despite being placed in an incubator. Another strike in Khan Younis killed 11, mostly women and children, while five others died in separate attacks, hospitals reported.

Israel announced weekend measures, including 10-hour daily pauses in military operations in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, and designated “secure” aid routes. However, aid agencies called these steps inadequate. Martin Penner of the UN food agency told the Associated Press that all 55 aid trucks entering Sunday were looted before reaching their destinations. A UN official noted no practical changes on the ground.

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COGAT, Israel’s military aid coordination body, claimed 120 trucks were collected Sunday and 180 more were allowed entry. Yet, the UN insists Gaza needs 500-600 trucks daily to meet demand, as Israel’s blockade and operations have crippled local food production for its 2 million residents. Airdrops, including 17 tons from Jordan and UAE planes Monday, were deemed ineffective and risky by aid groups, with parcels often landing in combat zones.

At least 25 Palestinians, including four children, were killed by Israeli forces near an aid convoy in southern Gaza, Nasser Hospital reported. Survivors alleged troops fired on crowds. The UN human rights office says over 1,000 Palestinians have died seeking aid since May. Israel insists it only uses warning shots.

The war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack killing 1,200 and abducting 251, has led to over 59,800 Palestinian deaths, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict continues to devastate civilians, with images of starving children drawing global outrage, including from US President Donald Trump, who called the crisis “terrible.”

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