Middle East crisis: death toll rises in Gaza – more than 33,000 dead
The Hamas-run military has said the number of people killed in Gaza since 7 October has risen to 33,037.
The toll includes 62 deaths in the last 24 hours.
The number of people injured since 7 October now stands at 75,668 the ministry statement adds.
The Israeli military began its offensive following the 7 October attack in which Hamas fighters killed about 1,200 people in Israel.
Gaza one of the most dangerous places for aid workers – Unicef
Following Unrwa’s claim that three aid convoys have been hit in recent months, Unicef spokesperson, Tess Ingram, who is currently in Gaza, spoke to the BBC.
Ingram tells BBC 5 Live Breakfast that Gaza is “one of the most dangerous places” for humanitarian workers to be at the moment.
Asked about the seven aid workers who were killed in an Israeli strike, she says it feels “frustrating”.
“This is not the first time that has happened”, Ingram adds.
“We have lost nearly 200 humanitarian aid workers since the escalation of hostilities. Other vehicles and warehouses have been hit, The system that is supposed to protect us is clearly not functioning properly.”
"On three occasions, @UNRWA convoys were hit."@JulietteTouma explains that, despite intense coordination with the Israeli Authorities to preserve humanitarian convoys & personnel, no one is safe in #Gaza 👇https://t.co/ZT3CpKI2m8 pic.twitter.com/tEioiapT1Z
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) April 4, 2024
Gaza death toll rises as humanitarian aid is paused
As we’ve reported all week, the deaths of seven aid workers – who worked for the World Central Kitchen (WCK) delivering food packages – have seen many charities pause their operations over fears of staff safety. Gaza is on the brink of famine and aid is desperately needed in the strip. Israel has been blocking aid deliveries by road, meaning the US and UK amongst other countries have been airdropping aid into the area. But it’s a dangerous method and cannot bring the levels of aid needed to avoid a famine. Since the deaths of the workers, several ships carrying aid have since turned around and returned to Cyprus.
Experts say famine is rapidly spreading around Gaza and some people have had to resort to eating grass and animal feed to survive.
WCK aid workers killed in Israeli strike
Chef Jose Andres – founder of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity took to X to express his devastation at the loss of the seven aid workers. Amongst the seven were three British ex-servicemen.
Today @WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are people…angels…I served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, Indonesia. They… https://t.co/rM3xbsiQ1Q
— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) April 1, 2024
British aid workers named
The three British aid workers who lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza have been named.
Among the casualties were John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were part of a group of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) personnel killed during Monday’s strike.
The victims also included individuals from Australia, Poland, Palestine, and a US-Canadian dual citizen.
