Gaza witnessed its deadliest day for Palestinians seeking aid in over 21 months of war, with at least 85 people killed on Sunday while trying to reach food, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The highest death toll occurred in northern Gaza, where conditions have become especially dire. Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Health Ministry’s records department, told The Associated Press that at least 79 Palestinians were killed while attempting to access aid entering through the Zikim crossing from Israel. The U.N. World Food Program said 25 trucks carrying food had entered the area for “starving communities” but encountered massive crowds.
Gunfire Erupts as Crowds Approach Aid Convoy
A U.N. official, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on media comments, said Israeli forces opened fire on crowds that approached the convoy. Footage captured by the U.N. and shared with the AP showed Palestinian men fleeing as automatic gunfire rang out.
“Suddenly, tanks surrounded us and trapped us as gunshots and strikes rained down. We were trapped for around two hours,” said Ehab Al-Zei, who had been waiting for flour and had not eaten bread in 15 days. He added, “I will never go back again. Let us die of hunger, it’s better.”
Nafiz Al-Najjar, who was injured in the chaos, said tanks and drones targeted people “randomly” and that he saw his cousin and others shot dead.
Israeli Response and Rising Injuries
Israel’s military said its forces opened fire on a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who they said posed a threat. The army acknowledged casualties but claimed the figures reported by Gaza officials were “far higher” than what its initial investigation found. It also accused Hamas of creating chaos in the area.
More than 150 people were injured, some critically, local hospitals reported.
Continued Violence Near Aid Sites
Al-Waheidi said six more Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire in the Shakoush area, just north of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site in Rafah. The GHF, backed by the U.S. and Israel, said it had no knowledge of any incident near its location. According to witnesses and health workers, several hundred people have died while attempting to access aid from GHF distribution points.
In a separate incident, seven Palestinians were killed while sheltering in tents in Khan Younis, including a 5-year-old boy. The Kuwait Specialized Field Hospital received the victims.
New Evacuation Orders Raise Alarm
Israel’s military issued fresh evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza, including areas where it has rarely conducted ground operations. These zones also house numerous international humanitarian organizations distributing aid. One such group reported that several offices had been told to evacuate immediately. There was no immediate Israeli comment on the evacuation orders.
The latest orders sever access between Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. The military also reaffirmed evacuation directives for northern Gaza.
Palestinians were shocked to see Deir al-Balah included in the evacuation list. “All of Rafah is under evacuation, and now you have decided that half of Deir al-Balah is under evacuation. Where will we move to?” asked resident Hassan Abu Azab, as residents loaded bedding and livestock onto carts. Smoke and the sounds of sirens and explosions filled the air.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
A U.N. official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.N. is seeking clarification on whether its facilities in southwestern Deir al-Balah are affected by the evacuation orders. In past instances, U.N. buildings have been spared.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) reported that multiple humanitarian groups’ offices and guesthouses had been “ordered to evacuate immediately.” The group said nine clinics, including its own, had to shut down. It remains unclear which other organizations were impacted.
Call to Relocate to ‘Humanitarian Zone’
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged civilians to move to the coastal area of Muwasi, which Israel has designated a humanitarian zone. However, the site is a barren tent camp with limited infrastructure.
Ceasefire Talks Ongoing Amid Escalation
These developments come as Israel and Hamas engage in ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that intensifying Israel’s military operations will put pressure on Hamas at the negotiating table.
Earlier in July, the Israeli military said it controlled over 65% of Gaza.
