The Nasser hospital in southern Gaza reported that 24 people died near an aid distribution site. Eyewitnesses claimed Israeli troops opened fire while people were trying to access food. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they had “no known injured individuals” from their fire at that location, suggesting that warning shots were meant to disperse a crowd they deemed a threat.
However, these claims from both sides lack independent verification. International news outlets, including the BBC, face restrictions in accessing Gaza, limiting the flow of reliable information. Footage shared online depicted scenes of chaos, with body bags visible at the hospital and people in distressing conditions. A witness described a terrifying five-minute barrage of targeted fire as individuals waited for aid.
Reports of deaths while seeking food have sadly become common in Gaza. Israel imposed a total blockade of aid deliveries in March, resuming military operations against Hamas after a two-month ceasefire. This approach aimed to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages. In late May, the blockade was partially eased, but severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel persist. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, thousands of children are malnourished, with new cases increasing daily.
To address the crisis, Israel and the US established a new aid distribution system through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), attempting to curb Hamas’ potential theft of aid. Yet, the UN human rights office reported 798 killings related to aid distribution so far, many near GHF sites, where US private contractors operate within military zones.
Israel acknowledged civilian harm in some incidents, promising to work on minimizing friction with the population. The GHF, however, criticized the UN for allegedly using inaccurate statistics from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. A former contractor from the GHF claimed he witnessed colleagues firing on unarmed Palestinians, but the GHF denied these allegations as completely false.
The escalation in violence began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant Israeli casualties and hostages. Since that date, the Hamas-run health ministry reported over 57,823 deaths in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
As of late 2023, the situation remains critical, with many in Gaza facing dire shortages and continuous threats to their safety. For those wanting to explore more about the humanitarian conditions, the UNRWA provides updates and resources related to the growing crisis.
