At least 35 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including 12 guards protecting humanitarian aid trucks, according to local medics and the Hamas-run Civil Defence, the BBC reported on Thursday.

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Seven guards died in Rafah, where aid lorries were being shielded from violent armed thefts, identified as a major obstacle by UN workers. Five additional guards were killed in Khan Younis.

Israel’s military stated it targeted “armed Hamas terrorists” attempting to hijack the aid trucks. Mahmoud Basal, a Civil Defence spokesperson, said, “The occupation once again targeted those securing the aid trucks.” He added that around 30 others, mostly children, were injured.

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The aid lorries carried flour intended for UN warehouses in Gaza. Amid worsening food shortages, armed thefts have disrupted relief efforts, prompting civilians and remnants of Hamas police to mobilize for protection. Hamas claims that Israeli strikes have killed 700 of its police officers assigned to secure aid deliveries since October 7.

In another strike near Nuseirat refugee camp, 15 people were killed, including six children. Separately, attacks on homes in central Gaza and Gaza City claimed 21 lives, with six bodies recovered from a damaged apartment, according to Basal.

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Israel launched its military campaign after a Hamas-led attack on October 7, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 44,800 deaths since then.

Israel’s defense minister recently discussed potential hostage release deals, including one involving American citizens, with U.S. officials. Reports suggest limited negotiations with Hamas are ongoing.

Read more at the BBC.