Israeli Forces Kill 23 Palestinians Amid Food Shortages in Gaza

Israeli forces killed at least 23 Palestinians on Sunday as they sought food in the Gaza Strip, according to hospital officials and eyewitness accounts. This tragic incident occurred amid escalating food shortages and rising malnutrition-related deaths in the territory, which has been under significant strain due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.

Desperation has intensified in Gaza, home to over 2 million people, as many face the threat of famine. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as hungry crowds surged around aid distribution sites, only to be met with gunfire from Israeli troops. Yousef Abed, who was in the crowd near a distribution point, recounted the harrowing experience: “I couldn’t stop and help them because of the bullets,” he said, referring to at least three people he saw on the ground bleeding.

The Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza reported receiving multiple bodies from various distribution sites, including eight from Teina and another from Shakoush, areas close to aid locations operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This organization, backed by both U.S. and Israeli funding, took over aid distribution in Gaza more than two months ago, following accusations that the previous United Nations-led system allowed Hamas to siphon off supplies.

Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire on crowds attempting to reach the GHF distribution points. In one instance, at least five people were killed and 27 others wounded near the Netzarim corridor, where aid seekers faced similar gunfire. Hamza Matter, another eyewitness, stated, “Troops were trying to prevent people from advancing. They opened fire and we fled. Some people were shot.”

The situation has drawn international attention as the United Nations reported that at least 859 individuals have been killed near GHF sites between May 27 and July 31. Hundreds more have died along the routes of U.N.-led food convoys. The conflict intensified significantly after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, with ongoing concerns for the fate of captives.

In the past 24 hours, the Gaza Health Ministry also reported six additional deaths attributed to malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total for adults to 82 since the ministry began tracking such fatalities in late June. Furthermore, it noted that 93 children have died from similar causes since the conflict escalated.

The ongoing military offensive has claimed more than 60,400 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This figure, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, is seen by the United Nations and independent experts as the most credible count of casualties, although Israel disputes these numbers without providing alternative figures.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community continues to call for urgent measures to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, and both Israeli authorities and the GHF have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the recent fatalities.

The urgency of humanitarian aid has never been more critical as the people of Gaza face the dire consequences of limited resources and escalating violence.