Casualties in Gaza Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
At least 27 individuals have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to secure food, with an additional six succumbing to starvation or malnutrition on Sunday, as indicated by Palestinian officials. This comes amid widespread regional concern sparked by an Israeli minister’s visit to a highly sensitive religious site in Jerusalem.
Violence Against Crowds Seeking Aid
Witnesses claim that Israeli troops opened fire on starving crowds trying to receive food assistance from a distribution site operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in southern Gaza, with some describing the shooting as indiscriminate. A local resident, Yousef Abed, recounted being unable to help those injured due to the gunfire.
Increasing Aid-Related Fatalities
Sunday’s incidents add to a troubling trend of deadly encounters involving those seeking aid. Since May 27, the United Nations reported that over 1,400 people have lost their lives while pursuing food assistance, primarily near GHF sites. The GHF asserts its crowd control measures involve only pepper spray and warning shots.
Additional Strikes and Casualties
The Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli shootings and strikes resulted in a total of 119 fatalities in the past 24 hours, including those in search of aid. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that the Israeli military targeted its headquarters in Khan Younis, leading to one death and multiple injuries, with significant destruction captured on video.
Dire Humanitarian Situation
The situation in Gaza remains increasingly desperate, with ongoing famine conditions attributed to Israel’s sustained blockade of aid. Despite Israel’s denial of a starvation crisis and its announcement of expanded aid efforts, humanitarian organizations report that aid remains severely limited.
Escalating Death Toll from Starvation
Recent figures show that six individuals have died from hunger or malnutrition over the last day, bringing the total starvation-related deaths in Gaza to 175, of which 93 are children. The number of starvation-related fatalities has surged in July, surpassing the total for the previous 20 months.
Regional Tensions and Political Statements
As Israeli military actions persist, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, led prayers at the al-Aqsa mosque, provoking outrage from neighboring countries. This was the first recorded instance of an Israeli minister praying at the site, further inflaming tensions over its contentious status. Ben-Gvir has called for the annexation of Gaza and a complete removal of Palestinians from the territory.
