GAZA STRIP – dozens of Palestinians were killed yesterday while seeking food aid in northern Gaza, according to Gazan authorities led by Hamas. At least 79 individuals reportedly died from shelling by Israeli soldiers near a checkpoint where United Nations food trucks were entering the territory.
the trucks were carrying supplies from the World Food program (WFP). Witnesses described hundreds of people rushing towards the trucks upon their arrival. Antoine Renard, the WFP’s local director, stated that people were shot at when they approached the Israeli checkpoint.
Renard indicated that the WFP had requested the Israeli army to keep soldiers away from aid convoys and refrain from firing from checkpoints to ensure aid reached those in need.
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the Netherlands, along with 24 other nations, issued a joint statement today, describing the suffering of Gaza’s citizens as having reached a “new low point.” The statement aims to maintain pressure on Israel,as noted by Dutch Minister Caspar Veldkamp on X.
The foreign ministers condemned what they termed “help-wise help and the inhuman murder of citizens, including children, who try to meet their most basic needs for water and food.” They expressed horror at the reported deaths of over 800 Palestinians attempting to access aid.
A spokesperson for the GHF commented on the criticism,asserting that GHF is the sole association providing aid due to the UN’s refusal to cooperate. Previously, Tom Fletcher, Head of Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, stated that the UN cannot work with GHF as the organization allegedly “does not maintain humanitarian principles.” The UN claims GHF’s objective is to expel Palestinians from parts of Gaza.
Crawford McKinstry/Cronkite News)
