Intl desk, July 20: At least 73 Palestinians were killed on Sunday while attempting to access humanitarian aid in Gaza, marking one of the deadliest days for aid seekers in the ongoing conflict, now in its 21st month, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, reports AP.
The highest number of casualties occurred in northern Gaza, where 67 Palestinians were killed as they tried to reach aid delivered through the Zikim crossing. The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that 25 trucks carrying relief supplies had entered for what it called “starving communities” but were met with large crowds that reportedly came under fire. The WFP condemned the violence against civilians as “completely unacceptable.”
Eyewitnesses claimed that Israeli forces opened fire on the gathered crowds. “Suddenly, tanks surrounded us, and gunshots and explosions began. We were trapped for two hours,” said Ehab Al-Zei, who was in line for flour. “I will never go again. Let us die of hunger, it’s better.”
Another injured witness, Nafiz Al-Najjar, said tanks and drones fired indiscriminately, and he saw his cousin and others shot dead.
Israel’s military acknowledged that its troops had opened fire on what it described as a “threatening gathering” of thousands in northern Gaza but claimed the casualty figures reported by local authorities were inflated. The military said it is working to ensure aid entry into the territory while accusing Hamas of creating chaos and putting civilians at risk.
At least 150 people were wounded in the violence, some critically, according to local hospitals. In a separate incident, seven Palestinians, including a five-year-old child, were killed in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis while sheltering in tents, according to the Kuwait Specialized Field Hospital.
These deaths did not occur near distribution points managed by the U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Nevertheless, aid workers say Israeli fire has repeatedly endangered civilians seeking humanitarian assistance.
New Evacuation Orders Add to Chaos
In a fresh development, Israel has issued new evacuation orders for central Gaza, further complicating access for both civilians and aid groups. The order affects the central city of Deir al-Balah and cuts off routes to the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
The United Nations has sought clarification from Israeli authorities on whether its facilities in the southwest of Deir al-Balah fall under the evacuation mandate. Previous evacuations have spared U.N. locations, a U.N. official told reporters under the condition of anonymity.
The new evacuation zone stretches from previously evacuated areas to the Mediterranean Sea, further narrowing humanitarian corridors. Israel’s military urged civilians to move to al-Muwasi, a desolate coastal area designated by Israel as a “humanitarian zone” but described by many as overcrowded and underserved.
Talks Continue Amid Escalation
The announcement comes as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar, though international mediators report little progress. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that military pressure is necessary to advance negotiations.
Israel’s military claims to control over 65% of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
More than 58,800 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The figure includes a high number of women and children, and while the ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, international organizations continue to rely on its casualty data as the most credible available.
The crisis has displaced millions multiple times, with much of the population now reliant on limited humanitarian aid.
A grassroots hostage advocacy group, the Hostages Family Forum, condemned the latest evacuation orders and called on Israel’s leadership to explain its goals in central Gaza. “Enough! The Israeli people overwhelmingly want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement to return all hostages,” the group said.
Tens of thousands protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, marching to the U.S. Embassy branch to demand an end to the war.
Children Dying of Hunger
Amid the violence, Gaza’s health system is sounding the alarm over a worsening hunger crisis. Ambulances at three major hospitals blared sirens Sunday morning in a joint warning about malnutrition-related deaths.
Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi said at least nine children under five have died from malnutrition since Israel tightened restrictions on aid entry in March. Although those restrictions were partly eased in May, he warned that tracking malnutrition-related deaths remains difficult due to overlapping health issues.
At Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, director Abu Selmiyah reported that 79 people, including children, have died of malnutrition in the past month alone.