Gaza civil defence says 18 killed throughout territory

Gaza’s civil defence company mentioned a minimum of 18 folks have been killed throughout the Palestinian territory on Saturday (August 9, 2025), together with civilians who have been ready to gather support.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal instructed AFP that a minimum of six folks have been killed and 30 wounded after Israeli troops focused civilians assembling close to an support level in central Gaza.

The spokesman mentioned strikes hit areas elsewhere in central Gaza, leading to a number of casualties.

He later added {that a} drone assault close to the southern metropolis of Khan Younis killed a minimum of three folks and injured a number of others.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the territory imply AFP is unable to independently confirm the tolls and particulars supplied by the civil defence and the Israeli navy.

Thousands of Palestinians congregate every day close to meals distribution factors in Gaza, together with 4 managed by the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Since launching in late May, its operations have been marred by almost-daily stories of Israeli forces firing on these ready to gather support.

Israeli restrictions on the entry of provides into Gaza for the reason that begin of the battle practically two years in the past have led to shortages of meals and important provides, together with medication and gas, which hospitals require to energy their mills.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting stress to safe a ceasefire to convey the territory’s greater than two million folks again from the brink of famine and free the hostages held by Palestinian militants.

But early Friday, the Israeli safety cupboard authorised plans to launch main operations to grab Gaza City, triggering a wave of concern throughout the globe.

Despite the backlash and rumours of dissent from Israeli navy prime brass, Netanyahu has remained defiant over the choice.

In a publish on social media late Friday, he mentioned “we aren’t going to occupy Gaza — we’re going to free Gaza from Hamas”.

The Palestinian militant group, whose October 7, 2023 assault triggered the battle, has slammed the plan to develop the preventing as a “new battle crime”.

Israel’s offensive has killed greater than 61,000 Palestinians, based on Hamas-run Gaza’s well being ministry, figures the UN says are dependable.

Hamas’s 2023 assault on Israel resulted within the deaths of 1,219 folks, based on an AFP tally based mostly on official figures.