At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces while awaiting humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The deadly incident took place as thousands gathered for food distribution organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
The WFP reported that its 25-truck convoy, carrying life-saving supplies, was met by “massive crowds of hungry civilians” after crossing from Israel into northern Gaza. Soon after, gunfire erupted. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged firing what they called “warning shots” to disperse what it described as an “immediate threat.” The IDF, however, disputed the reported death toll and denied intentionally targeting civilians.
Hunger Crisis Deepens as Famine Takes Hold
Gaza’s health ministry warned that widespread hunger is reaching critical levels. On Saturday, it said growing numbers of civilians were arriving at medical facilities suffering from “extreme exhaustion and fatigue,” with hundreds in danger of dying from starvation. The ministry reported 18 deaths due to famine in the preceding 24 hours alone.
The UN has echoed concerns about Gaza’s deepening food crisis, describing the situation as catastrophic. “Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment,” the WFP stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Nearly one in three people are going days without food.”
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Overwhelmed Hospitals and Scenes of Chaos
Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the largest medical facility in the north, was overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. Dr. Hassan al-Shaer, the hospital’s medical director, told BBC Arabic that staff were unable to cope with the sheer number of injured and malnourished patients.
Outside the hospital, residents shared harrowing accounts of desperation. “The whole population is dying,” one woman told BBC Arabic. “Children are dying of hunger because they have nothing to eat. People are surviving on water and salt—just water and salt.”
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes at aid distribution points. In Gaza City, Qasem Abu Khater told AFP that he tried to collect a bag of flour but instead found himself caught in a deadly crowd. “Tanks were firing shells randomly at us, and Israeli snipers were shooting like they were hunting animals in the forest,” he said. “Dozens of people were martyred right before my eyes.”
Civilian Casualties Mount Across Gaza
Gaza’s civil defense agency updated the total death toll to 93 people killed across the territory on Sunday. Of these, 80 were reported killed in northern Gaza. Additional fatalities included nine people shot near an aid point in Rafah and four more near Khan Younis, both in the south.
These deaths are part of a growing trend of civilians being killed while attempting to access food. Since late May, there have been near-daily reports of Palestinians losing their lives in similar circumstances. On Saturday alone, at least 32 people were killed by Israeli gunfire near two aid sites in southern Gaza, according to the health ministry.
Some of these incidents occurred near aid centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a controversial organization backed by the U.S. and Israel. The GHF has faced criticism for using private security contractors and distributing aid from within Israeli military-controlled zones. Other fatal events have taken place near UN aid convoys.
Israeli Evacuation Orders Prompt New Fears
As humanitarian conditions deteriorate, the Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders in central Gaza. On Sunday, the IDF instructed residents of Deir al-Balah and displaced people sheltering in the city to evacuate to al-Mawasi, a coastal area previously designated as a humanitarian zone.
The evacuation order is raising fears of an imminent ground offensive. “The Israeli Defense Forces continue to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area,” the military said, adding that it had not yet entered these districts during the war.
These areas are currently overcrowded with displaced Palestinians, many living in makeshift tents. The UN estimates that more than two million people—nearly Gaza’s entire population—have been displaced at least once since the war began.
The Israeli military reportedly suspects that Hamas may be holding Israeli hostages in the Deir al-Balah area, which could explain the delay in ground operations. According to Israeli sources cited by Reuters, this possibility has shaped military decisions regarding troop movements.
Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks in Israel, at least 20 of the remaining 50 are believed to still be alive.
Pope, Global Leaders Condemn Escalating Violence
Global condemnation of the violence in Gaza continues to mount. On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called for an “immediate end to the barbarity of the war” and warned against the “indiscriminate use of force.” His appeal came just days after an Israeli strike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, an attack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country “deeply regretted.”
The international community remains divided over the conflict, with repeated calls from the UN and humanitarian organizations for ceasefires, humanitarian corridors, and unimpeded access for aid deliveries.
Context: The War’s Origins and Human Cost
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, attacks, when Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an aggressive military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and leadership.
Since the start of the war, more than 58,895 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Despite being affiliated with Hamas, the ministry’s figures are widely cited by the UN and international media as the most consistent and accessible source of casualty statistics.
Humanitarian Crisis and Uncertain Future
Gaza’s already fragile healthcare and food distribution systems have collapsed under the weight of ongoing conflict. Aid agencies warn that unless urgent measures are taken, famine will continue to claim lives. The WFP, UN, and other international bodies are calling for sustained humanitarian access, including the opening of more aid corridors and the protection of civilians.
Meanwhile, fears persist that Gaza’s conflict could further destabilize the broader Middle East. As ceasefire negotiations stall and both sides dig in, civilians continue to pay the highest price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Northern Gaza?
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces while trying to access humanitarian aid in northern Gaza. The victims were reportedly gathered near a UN food distribution point when gunfire broke out.
Who is reporting the death toll?
The casualty figures come from the health ministry operated by Hamas in Gaza. While these numbers are widely cited by international organizations and media, they are not independently verified.
What is Israel’s response to the incident?
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops fired warning shots to disperse crowds they believed posed a security threat. They disputed the number of deaths and denied deliberately targeting civilians.
Why were people gathering in that area?
Thousands of Palestinians had assembled to receive food aid from a UN World Food Programme (WFP) convoy. Gaza is facing extreme food shortages and the risk of famine, particularly in the north.
What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza right now?
Gaza is experiencing a deepening humanitarian crisis. The UN and aid agencies warn that hunger and malnutrition are widespread, with many civilians surviving on minimal food and water. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and famine-related deaths have been reported.
Have similar incidents happened before?
Yes. In recent weeks, multiple fatal incidents have occurred where Palestinians were killed while attempting to collect food or aid. These include shootings near aid convoys and distribution centers across Gaza.
What are international organizations saying?
The United Nations and global leaders have expressed alarm at the rising civilian death toll and worsening conditions. They continue to call for immediate ceasefires, unimpeded humanitarian access, and adherence to international law.
Conclusion
The reported killing of 67 Palestinians seeking food aid in northern Gaza underscores the urgent humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region. With famine tightening its grip and civilian casualties rising, the need for immediate international action is more critical than ever. Ensuring safe access to humanitarian aid, upholding international law, and protecting innocent lives must be top priorities for all parties involved. Without a swift and coordinated response, the human cost of this conflict will only continue to escalate.
