Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo:AFP

On Sunday, Gaza saw another heartbreaking tragedy when Israeli forces opened fire on large crowds of Palestinians who were desperately trying to collect humanitarian aid. According to Gaza’s civil defence teams, at least 93 people lost their lives and many others were seriously injured during this incident.

What Happened in Northern Gaza?

Most of the deaths happened in northern Gaza, where 80 people were killed as trucks carrying food and supplies arrived. People had gathered there in huge numbers, hoping to get flour, rice, and other basic items to feed their families. But instead of relief, many families returned home carrying the bodies of their loved ones.

A resident, Qasem Abu Khater, who is 36 years old, shared his pain and fear. He said he had rushed to get a bag of flour but found himself in the middle of a huge crowd where people were pushing and shouting in desperation. He said, “The tanks were firing shells randomly at us, and Israeli sniper soldiers were shooting as if they were hunting animals in a forest. Dozens of people were martyred right before my eyes, and no one could save anyone.”

Incidents in Southern Gaza

In the south, near the city of Rafah, nine people were also shot dead while trying to collect aid. This area had already seen many deaths just one day before. Additionally, four people were killed near another aid point in Khan Yunis, which is also in the south of Gaza. These tragic events show how dangerous it has become for people in Gaza even to collect food to survive.

Aid Convoy Under Attack

On the same day, a convoy of 25 trucks carrying food aid entered Gaza City after crossing from Israel and clearing all security checkpoints. But as soon as it reached the area, massive crowds gathered because everyone was hungry and desperate for food. Then, gunfire started in the area, and many people were injured and killed.

Israeli Army’s Response

Israel’s military has disputed the number of deaths reported. They said that their soldiers only fired warning shots because they felt there was an “immediate threat” to them as thousands of people gathered near Gaza City. However, people on the ground said that there was no threat – only desperate men, women, and children trying to collect food.

Deaths While Seeking Food Becoming Common

Sadly, such incidents are becoming a daily reality in Gaza. Every time trucks arrive with food or water, thousands of hungry people rush to the spot. This overcrowding, along with shooting and shelling, is causing many deaths. According to aid agencies, nearly 800 people have been killed since late May while trying to collect aid from convoys or distribution centres.

Violence Condemned

International humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the violence. They said that attacking unarmed civilians who are only trying to collect food is “completely unacceptable.” People in Gaza are facing severe food shortages because of the ongoing war, and these killings are adding more pain to their already broken lives.

Media Restrictions

Due to heavy restrictions on media and a lack of access to many areas in Gaza, independent agencies are finding it difficult to confirm the exact number of deaths and injuries. But local civil defence teams and hospitals are continuously reporting that the numbers are very high.

Instructions to Avoid Civilian Harm

The Israeli army has said that it does not want to harm civilians. This month, they also issued new instructions to their soldiers after similar past incidents to avoid hurting innocent people. But the reality on the ground shows that civilians continue to lose their lives in large numbers.

Withdrawal of UN Official’s Permit

In a separate development on Sunday, Israel withdrew the residency permit of the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Israel. This official has repeatedly raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, Israel accused him of spreading lies about the situation.

The Bigger War Situation

The war in Gaza began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the deaths of 1,219 people in Israel, most of whom were civilians. In response, Israel launched massive attacks on Gaza. According to health officials in Gaza, over 58,895 Palestinians have been killed so far, and most of them are civilians too.

Attack on Church and Papal Reaction

Recently, an Israeli airstrike hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which is the only Catholic church there, killing three people sheltering inside. The Israeli Prime Minister expressed regret to Pope Leo XIV, calling it a “stray” attack.

On Sunday, after his prayer at the Vatican, the Pope condemned the “barbarity” of the war in Gaza. He called for peace and asked everyone to stop the attacks, especially on places of worship. He said the strike on the church was part of the continuous military attacks on civilians in Gaza.

The Catholic Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, also recently visited Gaza in a rare trip. He held mass at the same church, praying for peace and for the people who lost their lives.

More Displacement Orders

Most people in Gaza have already been forced to leave their homes at least once because of the war. On Sunday, the Israeli army told people staying in Deir el-Balah to immediately move further south as they were planning new military operations in that area.

This order led to more panic. Families were seen packing their few belongings on donkey carts, with children walking beside them under the hot sun. One man said, “They threw leaflets at us and we don’t know where we are going. We don’t have shelter or anything.”

UN Statement on Displacement

The United Nations said that this new order is another “devastating blow” for the people who are already living without food, clean water, and medical help. According to the UN, 87.8% of Gaza is now under displacement orders or in military zones, leaving over 2.1 million people squeezed into just 12% of the land. In these crowded areas, there are no proper services, such as hospitals or water supply, making life extremely difficult.

Fear for Hostages

The new attacks are also worrying the families of people who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. These families fear that the heavy bombing and ground operations might harm their loved ones.

At present, 49 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Among them, the Israeli army says 27 are dead. For the past two weeks, Israel and Hamas have been involved in indirect talks to finalise a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages.

Why This Matters

This news shows how the people of Gaza are caught between war, hunger, and displacement. Even while trying to collect a bag of flour or a bottle of clean water, they are facing death. It also shows how complicated and dangerous wars are, where ordinary people suffer the most while leaders and armies continue their fights.

Children, women, and elderly people in Gaza wake up every day not knowing if they will have food or if they will survive another day of bombing and shooting. The world continues to watch, but peace remains far away.