DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Tragedy struck once again in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday as at least 48 Palestinians lost their lives, and many others were wounded, while waiting for food at a crossing. The violence surrounding aid distribution came ahead of the U.S. Mideast envoy’s visit to Israel for crucial discussions.
The ongoing military offensive and blockade imposed by Israel have created what experts describe as a dire famine scenario for the Gaza Strip’s population of approximately 2 million. There has been a breakdown of order, with aid convoys struggling to manage the desperate crowds seeking relief.
Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy dedicated to terminating the nearly two-year-long conflict and securing the release of hostages taken in Hamas’ assault on October 7, is slated to arrive in Israel on Thursday to discuss the Gaza crisis.
In Gaza City, Shifa Hospital reported that those killed and injured were gathered at Zikim Crossing, the primary route for humanitarian aid into northern Gaza. However, the details of who fired the shots remain unclear, and the Israeli military, which oversees the crossing, has yet to provide a statement.
Footage from the scene captured the grim reality, with wounded individuals transported on wooden carts amidst crowds carrying vital supplies like flour. Al-Saraya Field Hospital, tasked with initially stabilizing critical cases, disclosed that it had received over 100 casualties, suggesting the death toll could rise as bodies were sent to various hospitals.
On the previous night and into Wednesday, Israeli operations had resulted in at least 46 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among those seeking food, according to health officials. Moreover, the Gaza Health Ministry reported seven additional deaths, including that of a child, due to malnutrition.
While the Israeli military did not provide comments on these incidents, they maintain that their focus is on militants, attributing civilian casualties to Hamas, operating within densely populated zones. Despite easing the blockade under international pressure, much work remains as aid workers indicate a critical shortfall of required assistance. Tuesday witnessed the entry of over 220 trucks into Gaza, yet this figure remains significantly lower than the 500-600 daily trucks needed, as stated by U.N. agencies.
The United Nations continues to grapple with aid delivery challenges within Gaza, with many trucks emptied by crowds in areas under Israeli military oversight. The Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid system also faces setbacks due to violence. Since May, Israeli fire has claimed over 1,000 Palestinian lives near GHF-managed sites as people sought aid. Israeli forces claim to fire only warning shots, while GHF asserts it only utilizes non-lethal force to prevent chaotic crowding.
International aid airdrops have resumed but face complications, with parcels landing in evacuated areas or dropping into the sea, compelling Palestinians to go to lengths to obtain soaking-wet supplies. Malnutrition-related fatalities have also been grim, with 89 children succumbing to hunger since the conflict’s onset.
Israel strongly refutes allegations of starvation in Gaza, challenging reports from international witnesses, U.N. agencies, and aid organizations. Israel asserts that prioritizing hunger undermines efforts for a ceasefire.
The conflict traces back to the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251. While ceasefires and other arrangements have led to the release of most hostages, approximately 50 remain captive.
Gaza’s Health Ministry, operating under the Hamas government and regarded by international organizations as a key source of casualty data, reports over 60,000 Palestinian deaths due to Israel’s retaliation. However, this figure does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.