In a tragic escalation of violence, Gaza rescuers reported that Israeli gunfire resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians and left more than 100 others wounded early Sunday. This incident occurred as thousands of individuals were moving towards a site in the southern Gaza Strip where U.S.-backed aid was being distributed.
Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal confirmed the casualties, stating, “At least 10 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others were wounded due to gunfire from Israeli vehicles towards thousands of citizens” near the aid site west of Rafah. The injured were immediately transported to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis for medical treatment.
As the conflict enters its 19th month, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn increasing international scrutiny. The United Nations has warned that the entire population is at risk of famine, highlighting the critical situation facing residents in the besieged territory. Although there has been a slight easing of the blockade imposed by Israel, aid is still flowing in at inadequate levels. Last month, reports emerged of looting targeting UN trucks and warehouses, further complicating the distribution of vital resources.
The UN’s World Food Program has urged Israel to accelerate the delivery of food aid to Gaza, emphasizing that the current desperation among the population is escalating insecurity in the region. With the situation deteriorating, health officials are struggling to meet the growing needs of a populace facing deprivation.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates under the oversight of contracted U.S. security personnel with support from Israeli troops, began its food distribution efforts on May 26. Despite reports from GHF that it has distributed 2.1 million meals to date, major humanitarian organizations—including the UN—have declined to collaborate with GHF, citing concerns that its operations might violate fundamental humanitarian principles and serve Israeli military interests.
The ongoing conflict and the associated humanitarian crisis continue to pose severe challenges for both aid workers and those in need, raising pressing questions about the efficiency and ethics of aid delivery in such a troubled environment.
