A rising number of Palestinians have lost their lives while attempting to collect essential aid in Gaza, deepening fears about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
Overnight, two hospitals reported the deaths of 25 individuals near an aid convoy and a food distribution point managed by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The incidents occurred close to the Netzarim corridor an Israeli-controlled military zone in central Gaza.
Accounts of what unfolded vary. The Hamas-run Civil Defence service claims that Israeli troops opened fire on civilians. Other reports suggest chaos erupted, leading to people being trampled by aid trucks or caught in crossfire between factions. The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots toward individuals it identified as potential threats near its forces.
In southern Gaza, near Rafah, six more fatalities were recorded by Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, allegedly the result of Israeli gunfire near another GHF aid site. The Israeli military has stated that it is reviewing these reports.
Despite the violence, the GHF reported that more than 43,000 food parcels were distributed across three centres in Rafah and central Gaza on Wednesday “without incident.” Still, almost daily fatal encounters have been reported since the GHF’s system was launched on May 26.
The GHF, which operates outside the United Nations framework and uses private American security contractors, has sparked sharp debate. Its mission to streamline aid delivery and prevent diversions by Hamas has drawn criticism from international organizations. The UN and other humanitarian groups refuse to engage with the GHF, citing violations of humanitarian principles like neutrality and independence.
Meanwhile, the cost continues to rise. Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, reports that 223 people have died and nearly 1,900 have been injured over the past two weeks alone while trying to reach aid zones.
With Gaza’s 2.1 million residents facing the brink of famine, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. A nearly total blockade on supplies that began in early 2024 was only partially lifted three weeks ago too little, too late, aid agencies warn.
Israel and the US defend the new system, claiming it ensures aid reaches those in need without interference. The UN argues that large-scale theft has not been proven and warns that bypassing existing frameworks undermines coordinated humanitarian efforts.
The crisis stems from the Israeli military’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry says at least 55,104 people have died in the ensuing conflict.
As the death toll rises and desperation grows, aid delivery once a symbol of hope is becoming a new front in Gaza’s long and painful struggle.
