SRINAGAR: Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 72 Palestinians since dawn on Wednesday, including 29 individuals who were waiting for aid trucks in central Gaza, according to medical sources and Palestinian health authorities.
Aid Seekers Targeted
The most recent and deadly incident occurred near the Salah-Din road in central Gaza, where crowds had gathered in hopes of receiving desperately needed food supplies. Medics reported that Israeli fire struck the crowd, killing at least 29 people and injuring over 100 others. Eyewitness accounts and local journalists described scenes of chaos, with Israeli forces reportedly using drones, tanks, and sniper fire against civilians who were unarmed and seeking flour for their families.
Wider Strikes Across Gaza
In addition to the attack on aid seekers, Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza claimed more lives. Eight people were killed in an airstrike on a home in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, while another eight died when tents housing displaced persons in al-Mawasi camp were hit. In the Maghazi camp, 10 members of a single family, including children, were reported killed in a separate strike.
Ongoing Crisis at Aid Sites
The violence at aid distribution points has become a recurring tragedy. On Tuesday, Israeli forces killed at least 70 Palestinians and injured hundreds more as they sought food assistance, marking the deadliest day at aid distribution sites since the conflict began. Since late May, when limited aid deliveries resumed, nearly 400 Palestinians have reportedly died and over 3,000 have been injured near aid centers.
Humanitarian Impact
The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with more than 2.1 million people facing severe food shortages. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that the overall death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 55,600, with nearly 130,000 injured.
International Response
The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating the incidents and claims its actions are aimed at ensuring the safety of its troops, but has not provided evidence to substantiate allegations that the crowds posed a security threat. International aid groups and human rights officials have condemned the repeated targeting of civilians at aid sites, calling for independent investigations and greater protection for those seeking humanitarian assistance.
The latest killings highlight the peril faced by Palestinians in Gaza, not only from ongoing conflict but also from the struggle to obtain basic necessities for survival.
