Israeli Strikes and Gunfire Kill 25 More Aid Seekers in Gaza Amid Worsening Hunger Crisis
At least 25 Palestinians were killed overnight by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes as they attempted to access humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to health officials and local ambulance services, further deepening the enclave’s humanitarian crisis.
Most of the victims were reportedly shot near the Zikim crossing while waiting for aid trucks, Shifa Hospital staff in Gaza City confirmed. The hospital also received the bodies of four people killed in an airstrike on an apartment building in the city.
The Israeli military has yet to respond to requests for comment on the latest shootings.
The United Nations and aid agencies have warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with growing reports of malnutrition-related deaths — including children without pre-existing health conditions. In recent weeks, more than 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire while attempting to reach aid, the UN human rights office says.
Eyewitness Sherif Abu Aisha recounted the chaos near the Zikim area on Friday night.
“People thought the light in the distance was from incoming aid trucks, but it turned out to be Israeli tanks. The shooting began when we got close,” he told the Associated Press, adding that his uncle, a father of eight, was among the dead.
“We went because there is no food … and nothing had been distributed.”
Images from Gaza on Saturday showed people mourning over bodies, including that of a malnourished infant at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. At a funeral in Gaza City, women were seen weeping and wailing over the latest casualties.
Despite Israeli claims that there is no restriction on aid deliveries, the UN says access is severely constrained due to military checkpoints, limited coordination, and growing incidents of looting. The Hamas-run police, previously responsible for securing aid convoys, are no longer operational following repeated Israeli strikes.
Displaced families at shelters and refugee camps, including at Nuseirat, say food is scarce even for aid workers. Community kitchens have been overwhelmed, with long queues and dwindling supplies.
In response to growing international concern, Israel has for the first time in months approved airdrops of aid — a move requested by Jordan. A Jordanian official confirmed the drops will include food and infant formula. The UK also announced plans to partner with Jordan to airlift aid and evacuate critically ill children, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office.
However, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini cautioned on social media that airdrops are a poor substitute for proper aid delivery.
“They are expensive, inefficient, and can even endanger starving civilians. They won’t stop rising hunger or prevent aid from being stolen,” he warned.
With ceasefire talks reportedly stalled, the civilian toll in Gaza continues to rise, and the need for safe, sustained humanitarian access grows more urgent by the day.
