Deadly Aid Queue Shooting Deepens Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they waited for UN aid trucks in northern Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The crowd had gathered in desperation, hoping for food relief, when the shooting occurred. Dozens more were wounded in the incident, one of the deadliest in recent weeks.
This tragedy comes just two days after 36 others were reportedly killed under similar circumstances. An additional six people also died near a separate aid site in the south, making this another brutal weekend for civilians seeking help. Israeli officials confirmed their forces fired warning shots at what they deemed an “immediate threat.”
Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that its 25-truck convoy met “massive crowds of hungry civilians” who came under gunfire shortly after the vehicles entered Gaza. “WFP reiterates that any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable,” the agency stated.
Escalating Starvation and Evacuations Push Gaza Closer to Collapse
The death toll from Israeli fire and airstrikes rose to 90 people across Gaza on Sunday alone, as Israel issued new evacuation orders. Residents of Deir al-Balah, a key sheltering zone for displaced Gazans, reported new airstrikes shortly after leaflets were dropped. Dozens of families fled their homes, trying to salvage what they could carry.
The Israeli military insists it hasn’t operated inside these evacuation zones but continues “to destroy enemy capabilities” in nearby areas. Some believe Israel is avoiding deeper entry due to fears that Hamas may be holding hostages there. Currently, at least 20 of the remaining 50 known hostages are believed to be alive.
Amidst the chaos, starvation is intensifying. Gaza’s health ministry said hundreds of people face imminent death due to extreme hunger and a breakdown in food aid. Malnutrition has already killed 71 children, while 60,000 others show symptoms of hunger-related illness.
One nurse, Ziad, described the crisis plainly: “As a father, I wake up in the early morning to look for food, even just a loaf of bread for my five children—but all in vain.”
Pope and UN Condemn Growing Death Toll as Gaza Deteriorates
Hospitals are overflowing with people collapsing from exhaustion. Civilians report dizziness, fainting in the streets, and skipping meals altogether. In many cases, fathers leave their tents to avoid facing questions from their hungry children. At least 18 people reportedly died from hunger in just 24 hours.
The UNRWA condemned the ongoing blockade, saying it had enough food in stock for Gaza’s entire population for over three months, but Israel continues to prevent proper aid access. Meanwhile, Pope Leo called for an end to the “barbarity of war,” referencing an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church that recently killed three civilians.
As Gaza’s infrastructure crumbles and airstrikes intensify, the civilian toll continues to mount. Civilians, aid workers, and world leaders alike are calling for an immediate humanitarian solution—but the crisis shows no signs of easing.
