Israeli Forces Kill Civilians Seeking Aid in Gaza, Raising Fears of Famine

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Escalates as Aid Seekers Targeted

Dozens of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza have died in fresh shootings by Israeli forces, intensifying the already dire situation. The recent incidents bring the total fatalities in such events over the past two weeks to more than 500. The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran has provided some hope, yet violence persists.

A new aid distribution point near Rafah, run by the secretive Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), became the scene of violence. According to Hatim Abu Rajliya, civilians were fired upon by Israeli military vehicles while awaiting food. Many were injured or killed, including Abu Rajliya’s cousin.

Detailed Accounts of the Shootings

According to Mahmud Bassal, a civil defense spokesperson, Israeli forces targeted gatherings near the al-Alam and al-Shakoush neighborhoods with bullets and tank shells. This occurred as civilians attempted to access an aid center in north-west Rafah. The incident resulted in numerous casualties.

Dr. Marwan Abu Nasser, director of al-Awda hospital, reported a surge of injured civilians. The injuries were primarily caused by gunfire, with bullets striking various body parts. Another hospital, al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, also received dozens of injured individuals.

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Conflicting Reports and Aid Distribution Challenges

The GHF stated that there were no incidents near their aid site south of the Netzarim corridor and no reports of casualties near its Rafah hubs. However, the IDF said they are reviewing reports of casualties. Since a tight blockade was imposed in March and April, food scarcity has become a major issue in Gaza.

“Among those we pulled in was my cousin, he had been shot in the head, the bullet tore his skull open. We carried him in an empty flour sack, running under gunfire. We eventually found a [three-wheeled motorised cart] and got him to the Red Cross hospital. They told us he should be transferred to Nasser medical complex [in Khan Younis] where his condition is now stable.”

—Hatim Abu Rajliya

The United Nations has faced obstacles in delivering aid. Roads are choked with rubble, Israeli military restrictions continue, and airstrikes and anarchy are also problems. Recent data shows food insecurity impacting 90% of the population in Gaza (IPC 2024).

The Bigger Picture

The GHF has stated it distributed 42 million meals in Gaza. The group also complained to the IDF “regarding instances of possible harassment by Israeli soldiers directed at its convoys.” The IDF has said it is looking into safety measures.

These recent events highlight a humanitarian crisis, with significant loss of life and challenges in providing aid. Despite the ceasefire hopes, the situation in Gaza remains extremely volatile.