At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Sunday while waiting for U.N. aid trucks in northern Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. The deadly incident occurred amid worsening hunger, intensified military strikes, and mounting civilian desperation. Another six people were reported killed near a separate aid site in the south, and 36 more were killed on Saturday under similar circumstances—highlighting the deadly stakes surrounding humanitarian aid distribution in the besieged enclave.
The Israeli military claimed troops fired warning shots to disperse what it described as “an immediate threat” posed by massive crowds. While acknowledging the gunfire, Israel disputed the reported death tolls and maintained it does not target humanitarian aid efforts. The U.N. World Food Programme confirmed one of its 25-truck convoys was met with “massive crowds of hungry civilians” that later came under gunfire. “Any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable,” the WFP stated.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit three homes in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah after new evacuation orders were issued, forcing thousands of already displaced Gazans to flee once again. Israel has yet to enter the Deir al-Balah zone during the current conflict, citing concerns that hostages may be held there. Families of those still held captive are demanding clarity, questioning whether military actions could risk their loved ones’ lives.
The worsening humanitarian situation has led to a spike in hunger-related deaths. Health officials said 18 people, including children, died of starvation in the last 24 hours alone, and hundreds more are at risk. Food shortages are so severe that some families are surviving on just one meal—or none—per day. Flour is nearly impossible to find, and food prices have soared beyond affordability for most of Gaza’s two million residents.
UN agencies and Pope Leo have condemned the growing crisis, with calls for immediate ceasefires and increased aid access. The UNRWA said it has enough food for the entire population for three months, but Israeli restrictions have blocked sufficient delivery. “People who didn’t die of bombs will die of hunger,” said one Gaza father. “We want a truce, even for two months.”
With over 58,000 Palestinians killed since the war began in October 2023—triggered by a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis—the toll continues to climb. Despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Doha, hopes for a breakthrough remain slim as violence, starvation, and suffering spiral out of control.
