Dying of Hunger’: Dozens Killed Seeking Gaza Aid
At least 73 Palestinians were killed and around 150 others injured on Sunday after Israeli forces opened fire near aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Many of the casualties 67 deaths occurred in northern Gaza, with six others killed in the southern city of Khan Younis.
Witnesses and aid groups reported that victims were attempting to collect humanitarian supplies when they were shot. It remains unclear whether all the northern Gaza deaths occurred in a single location or across several sites.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops responded to an “immediate threat” by firing warning shots after identifying a large crowd gathering in northern Gaza. While the military did not confirm any casualty figures, it said the incident is under investigation.
In a separate warning issued on Sunday, the IDF urged civilians to avoid parts of northern Gaza, labelling them as “active combat zones.” Military spokesperson Avishay Adraee cautioned, “The IDF is operating in these areas with very intense force. For your safety, movement to these areas is strictly prohibited.”
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The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that its Al-Saraya Field Hospital received 120 wounded individuals on Sunday alone. Some of the injured were in critical condition, and two others were declared dead upon arrival. The organization said Israeli forces had targeted civilians waiting for aid near the Zikim area, north of Beit Lahia. The influx of casualties forced the hospital, which has a capacity of just 68 beds, to open emergency space for additional patients.
Meanwhile, Israeli aircraft dropped evacuation leaflets across Deir Al Balah in central Gaza, warning residents to leave immediately. “The entire sky was covered with leaflets,” said local resident Thurayya Abu Qunneis. “We are living on edge. We can’t sleep, eat, or drink. There is no flour, no anything and we are hungry. We are dying, and our children are dying of hunger.”
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) condemned the evacuation orders, warning they would worsen the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system. The organization said that multiple humanitarian facilities including nine clinics, five shelters, and one community kitchen had to cease operations due to the orders.
Sunday’s deadly incident follows a similar tragedy on Saturday, when at least 32 people were killed near an aid distribution site managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Rafah. The Israeli military said troops identified “suspects” approaching during a nighttime operation and fired warning shots after they failed to retreat. The IDF said it is reviewing the reports of casualties.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Government Media Office, 995 people have been killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid since May 27. Earlier this month, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that nearly 800 Palestinians had died under similar circumstances between late May and early July.
Content Credit | Ohida Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit | lemonde.fr
