A deadly aid incident in Gaza has intensified global concern over the worsening hunger crisis. On Sunday, Israeli gunfire killed at least 67 Palestinians waiting for humanitarian food supplies in northern Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The keyword here—hunger crisis—underscores the growing desperation in the region.
Chaos at Aid Distribution Turns Deadly
Thousands gathered in Beit Lahia to collect food from UN aid trucks. As the crowd surged, Israeli troops opened fire. Dozens more were wounded in one of the deadliest episodes involving aid seekers. Just a day earlier, 36 people were killed in a similar situation. Six more died in the south near another aid station.
The Israeli military claimed it fired warning shots to disperse what it called an “immediate threat.” Officials disputed the number of casualties, denying that aid convoys were deliberately targeted.
UN Condemns Violence Against CiviliansAid Tragedy in Gaza Kills 67 Amid Deepening Hunger Crisis
The UN World Food Programme condemned the attack, saying its 25-truck convoy came under fire shortly after entering Gaza. The WFP described the situation as “unacceptable,” highlighting that civilians in urgent need of food are being gunned down while trying to survive.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, called the incident a serious threat to ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Talks, currently underway in Qatar, may be derailed as civilian deaths mount and food shortages worsen.
Read: Pepper Spray and Panic: Palestinians Attacked at Aid Site
Gaza Death Toll Continues to Climb
Health authorities reported that 90 people were killed across Gaza on Sunday, including those in airstrikes and the aid-line shooting. The latest escalation has made survival even more difficult for Gaza’s already displaced and starving population.
Evacuations Ordered in Deir al-Balah
Israel’s military dropped evacuation leaflets in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah. Shortly after, airstrikes hit three homes. In response, hundreds of families began fleeing with only what they could carry. This region had provided shelter to many who had already lost homes earlier in the conflict.
The Israeli military claimed it had not yet entered the ordered-evacuation zones but promised to intensify operations against Hamas infrastructure there. Reports suggest the army has avoided the area fearing hostages are being held there. Families of Israeli captives are demanding clarity and assurance that evacuation efforts won’t cost their loved ones’ lives.
Widespread Starvation Threatens Thousands
With over 21 months of conflict, Gaza is now on the edge of famine. Hospitals are full of patients suffering from hunger-related exhaustion. The Health Ministry warned that hundreds are near death due to severe malnutrition. At least 71 children have already died from hunger-related causes.
UN officials stated on Sunday that Gaza’s population is starving. Pope Leo condemned recent violence and appealed for an end to the war, expressing sorrow over a strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church that killed three people.
Food scarcity has driven prices beyond the reach of most families. The Health Ministry reported 18 hunger-related deaths in the past 24 hours alone. According to aid workers, more than 60,000 children are now showing signs of severe malnutrition.
Daily Life Becomes a Fight for Survival
Locals say they survive on one meal—or none—a day. Ziad, a father of five and a nurse, told Reuters that every morning he searches for food, usually without success. “If bombs don’t kill us, hunger will,” he said. Others echoed the despair, describing dizziness, fainting in the streets, and parents hiding from their children to avoid questions about food.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said it has food reserves for Gaza’s entire population for over three months. However, these supplies are being blocked from entering. UNRWA called on Israel to allow urgent access for aid trucks.
Truce Talks Struggle Amid Humanitarian Collapse
Some analysts believe Israel’s pressure on Deir al-Balah is meant to force Hamas into concessions in ceasefire negotiations. Talks in Doha have aimed at a 60-day truce and potential hostage release but have made little progress.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s response has killed over 58,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population.
As hunger overtakes the bombs in its deadly impact, the global call for a ceasefire grows louder.