Intensifying Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least 138 Palestinians within a single day, according to health authorities in the enclave, highlighting the devastating human toll as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said that of the 138 fatalities on Friday, 62 occurred as people waited to receive humanitarian aid. A further 452 people were wounded in attacks across the territory.

Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18 after a brief ceasefire, 6,710 Palestinians have been killed and more than 23,500 injured. The total death toll since the war began in October now exceeds 57,268, with at least 135,625 wounded. UN officials estimate around 10,000 people remain buried under rubble.

Israeli Military Advances and Humanitarian Crisis

The Israeli army reported on Friday that it now controls about 65% of Gaza, stating it had “eliminated more than 100 terrorists” in the past week. The army says its campaign aims to dismantle Hamas's military and political infrastructure.

Amid the fighting, humanitarian workers have also come under fire. The Red Cross confirmed one of its field hospital staff was wounded by a stray bullet in Rafah, and two members of the Palestinian Red Crescent were injured earlier that day.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said it had recorded at least 613 deaths at aid distribution sites or near convoys by June 27, a figure that has likely grown. “This incident is unacceptable and a reminder of the dangers civilians, medical staff and patients experience every day in Gaza,” the Red Crescent stated.

Despite a “positive response” from Hamas to a proposed U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, final agreement has yet to be reached. As negotiations continue, the situation on the ground remains dire, with food, medicine, and safe zones in extremely short supply.