DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip - At least 48 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded on Wednesday while waiting for food at the Zikim Crossing, a key entry point for humanitarian aid into northern Gaza, according to a hospital receiving the casualties. This tragic event unfolded amid ongoing military hostilities and escalating famine conditions in the Gaza Strip, where around 2 million Palestinians are living under severe hardship. The violence coincides with the arrival of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel for discussions regarding the humanitarian crisis.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli military actions and a blockade have created a “worst-case scenario of famine” in the region. A breakdown in law and order has caused aid distribution to become chaotic, with desperation driving crowds to overwhelm aid convoys. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City confirmed that many of those affected were part of large gatherings at the crossing, although it remains unclear who initiated the gunfire that led to the fatalities.
In the hours leading up to the incident, Israeli strikes and gunfire had already claimed the lives of at least 46 Palestinians—most of whom were in food-seeking crowds. Malnutrition has also been a severe issue, with at least seven additional deaths attributed to nutrition-related causes. The Israeli military has maintained that it targets militants and attributes civilian deaths to Hamas, which it claims operates within densely populated areas.
In response to international pressure, Israel announced measures over the weekend to improve the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, aid workers assert that significantly more assistance is required than currently being provided. Recent reports indicate that only about 220 trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday, far short of the 500 to 600 trucks per day deemed necessary by U.N. agencies. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has issued a warning of “widespread death” without urgent intervention, though they have not officially declared a famine.
The United Nations continues to struggle with aid delivery amidst ongoing turmoil, with many trucks being overwhelmed by crowds as they attempt to unload supplies in areas monitored by the Israeli military. Efforts to establish an alternative aid distribution system, such as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, have also been marred by violence, further complicating the situation. Reports from witnesses and officials indicate that since May, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.
While international airdrops of assistance have resumed, many parcels have either ended up in areas evacuated by residents or have fallen into the Mediterranean Sea. The significant humanitarian crisis has also resulted in alarming statistics, with a total of 89 children and 65 adults having succumbed to malnutrition-related causes since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Despite claims of widespread starvation from multiple organizations, Israel firmly denies these assertions, arguing that such statements hinder ceasefire negotiations.
In October 2023, Hamas initiated the conflict with an attack on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals. As the situation continues to deteriorate, over 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the ongoing Israeli offensive, according to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas control. The complexity and severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza remain critical, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive international intervention and support.
