“…these people were simply trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation.”
At least 80 Palestinians were killed in Gaza while attempting to collect food and water, in what has become the deadliest day for aid seekers in the conflict, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The World Food Programme (WFP) accused Israeli forces of opening fire with tanks and snipers on civilians gathering near aid convoys, warning that “these people were simply trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation.”
The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots to “remove an immediate threat” but questioned the reported death toll. A spokesperson stated that soldiers had been instructed: “do not engage, do not shoot.”
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation told The Mirror, “We’re deeply saddened by reports that more than 30 people were killed while trying to access food from a UN convoy at the Zikim crossing in Northern Gaza.”
The WFP also reported gunfire on a 25-truck convoy in northern Gaza, stating the attack resulted in the loss of “countless lives.” Meanwhile, Gaza’s overall death toll has surpassed 59,000, with more than half believed to be women and children.
Truce talks are ongoing, but no breakthrough has been reached.