At least 32 Palestinians lost their lives while trying to get food near Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza. This tragic loss was reported by the health ministry run by Hamas. Many others were injured at aid distribution points, which are managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
While the GHF denied any incidents near its sites, an eyewitness claimed the Israeli gunfire targeted individuals, intended to harm. The GHF stated that they would not operate under such conditions, yet the reality tells a different story. The area has seen a troubling pattern where people seeking aid face gunfire.
Mohammed Al-Khalidi, who was there, described the situation vividly. He said they were informed the aid center was open when tanks moved in and opened fire. “It wasn’t warning shots,” he claimed. “They were aimed to kill.” His account highlights the urgency and desperation people feel when trying to access basic necessities like food.
According to the UN human rights office, there have been 674 killings near GHF sites in Gaza over the past six weeks, with 201 more recorded related to other aid routes. The GHF challenges these figures, indicating they come from sources aligned with Hamas, which they argue exaggerates the numbers.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the GHF began operations in late May amid criticism from the UN and humanitarian organizations. These groups argue that the GHF’s aid distribution strategy, which involves armed private contractors, poses ethical concerns. The UN has refused to collaborate, stating there’s no clear evidence that Hamas diverts aid.
The humanitarian situation is dire. The UN revealed recently that the number of acutely malnourished children has recently doubled due to food restrictions imposed by Israel. Significant blocks of aid—especially critical items like baby formula—struggle to get through.
Reports from field hospitals indicate increasing numbers of patients suffering from malnutrition and severe exhaustion. Sadly, 69 children have already died due to malnutrition during this crisis.
This urgency and danger continue to shadow the lives of those in Gaza, emphasizing the complex and troubling nature of their daily struggles for survival. As the situation evolves, the voices of those on the ground can provide vital context to the broader humanitarian crisis.
For deeper insights, you can look at this UN report documenting the ongoing turmoil and humanitarian needs in Gaza.
