Gaza City, Gaza Strip — Israeli forces have reported a dramatic escalation in violence, with recent clashes resulting in the deaths of 59 Palestinians, including many who were seeking food from an aid distribution point associated with the United States and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, these fatalities mark a troubling trend, with numerous casualties occurring in areas described by critics as “human slaughterhouses.”
On a chaotic Sunday, medics at al-Awda Hospital responded to calls for assistance after gunfire erupted near a GHF site along the Netzarim Corridor. Witnesses recounted that at least three individuals lost their lives with the desperate throngs of people attempting to secure scant food supplies for their families. More tragic reports emerged from southern Gaza, where ten additional individuals were killed as they sought assistance, with the injured transported to a local Red Cross facility in Rafah.
Eyewitness Ahmed al-Masri termed the situation a “trap,” suggesting that the Israeli military offered no warning before firing on the desperate crowd. Tareq Abu Azzoum, a reporter in central Gaza, echoed these sentiments, indicating that many survivors felt trapped as their hunger drove them to perilous locations.
Meanwhile, escalating airstrikes in southern Gaza claimed the lives of at least 12 Palestinians, with additional attacks in Beit Lahiya leading to seven more deaths. Reports also indicated that an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp killed eight, further exacerbating the growing humanitarian crisis.
The severity of hunger — compounded by near-universal food insecurity — has compelled residents to flock to these perilous aid distribution points. Despite the risks, many continue to brave sniper fire and aerial bombardments in search of sustenance. Tragically, recent days have seen hundreds of fatalities linked to mass shootings at these locations, with various observers accusing the GHF of weaponizing humanitarian assistance.
On Saturday alone, Gaza witnessed at least 79 deaths, many stemming from assaults on individuals seeking aid. Medics at both al-Awda and Al-Aqsa Hospitals reported that 15 were killed while attempting to access the GHF distribution site nearby.
The GHF began its operations in late May, coinciding with a partial lifting of an extensive blockade that had restricted food, medical supplies, and essential goods for months. Critics now contend that the GHF’s sites have become synonymous with tragedy, as repeated attacks lead to further civilian casualties.
In light of the humanitarian crisis, the GHF announced its distribution sites would close intermittently due to safety concerns; however, thousands continued to gather, desperately hoping for food amid the ongoing Israeli military campaign. A report from the Gaza Ministry of Health noted that since the start of GHF operations, at least 274 people have died near aid distribution points.
The Israeli military admitted to engaging in fire at aid seekers, claiming they acted only when individuals strayed from designated routes. Conversely, Hamas has accused Israel of employing hunger as a weapon, transforming the act of seeking aid into a dangerous endeavor.
Israel’s approach to aid distribution has faced sharp criticism, with the United Nations labeling the current systems inadequate. International officials argue that the GHF operates in breach of humanitarian principles, failing to provide safe and effective relief to vulnerable populations.
The renewed tensions come against the backdrop of Israel’s broader military operations in Gaza, which have reportedly led to the deaths of nearly 55,300 individuals, predominantly civilians. With much of the territory devastated and a population exceeding two million facing severe food shortages and displacement, the urgent need for effective humanitarian intervention is becoming increasingly clear.