Gaza Crisis Deepens: 67 Killed Near Aid Trucks Amid Starvation Emergency
GAZA – At least 67 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured on Sunday when Israeli forces opened fire near United Nations aid trucks in northern Gaza, according to the enclave’s health ministry. The killings occurred as the humanitarian situation in Gaza rapidly deteriorated, with health officials confirming 19 starvation-related deaths in just 24 hours.
The Gaza health ministry reported that the victims had gathered to receive food aid when Israeli troops fired what the military called “warning shots” at the crowd, claiming it posed an “immediate threat.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said initial reports suggested the casualty figures were exaggerated and denied deliberately targeting humanitarian convoys.
Separately, six people were reported killed near another aid distribution site in southern Gaza. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) said a 25-truck convoy carrying food came under gunfire after encountering a desperate crowd. “Any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable,” WFP said.
The day’s violence brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire across Gaza on Sunday to at least 90, according to health officials.
Deir al-Balah Evacuation Orders
The situation escalated further as the Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have been sheltering. Israeli planes struck three homes in the area shortly after distributing evacuation leaflets, prompting families to flee once again.
Military officials claimed they had not yet entered the targeted districts, citing the suspected presence of hostages. At least 20 of the 50 hostages believed to be held in Gaza are thought to be alive. Their families expressed concern over the military’s plans, stating, “Can anyone promise us this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?”
Widespread Starvation and Humanitarian Collapse
Gaza is now facing what experts call a full-scale famine. The health ministry, governed by Hamas, warned that hundreds of people with severely weakened bodies were at immediate risk of dying from hunger. At least 71 children have reportedly died of malnutrition since the war began, with 60,000 more showing symptoms.
Food prices have soared far beyond what Gaza’s population of over two million can afford. Many families now survive on one meal a day—or none. “As a father, I wake up early every day just to look for bread for my five children, but all in vain,” said Ziad, a nurse in Gaza. “If not from bombs, people here will die of hunger.”
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said it has enough food supplies for Gaza’s entire population for over three months, but is being blocked from bringing it in. It urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid. Israel responded by saying it considers aid delivery “a matter of utmost importance” and is coordinating with international bodies.
Ceasefire Talks at Risk
The mounting civilian deaths and hunger crisis threaten to derail ongoing ceasefire talks in Qatar. A Hamas official said that the situation could undermine negotiations aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and securing a hostage exchange.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in a surprise attack on Israel. Since then, Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave.
As international pressure mounts for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief, the people of Gaza continue to suffer in what the UN describes as one of the most severe humanitarian disasters in modern history.
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