What started as another desperate search for food in war-torn Gaza turned into a horrifying tragedy.
Dozens of Palestinians were killed when Israeli fire reportedly opened on crowds waiting for humanitarian aid.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, which is overseen by Hamas, the victims were simply trying to collect basic necessities near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza when chaos broke out.
Over the past weekend alone, at least 93 people were reported dead across multiple aid sites—with Sunday marking the deadliest day for aid seekers in nearly two years of war.
Hunger and Hope Collide at the Zikim Border
In the north, the largest death toll was recorded as crowds surrounded a convoy of 25 aid trucks entering through Zikim.
The trucks, organized by the UN World Food Programme, were meant to bring relief to starving families.
But as people rushed toward the supplies, gunfire erupted.
One eyewitness, Ehab Al-Zei, said he was simply waiting in line for flour when tanks closed in.
“Suddenly, tanks surrounded us and trapped us as gunshots and strikes rained down.
We were trapped for around two hours,” he recalled. “I will never go back again. Let us die of hunger—it’s better.”
Israel Responds with Justification and Doubt
The Israeli military admitted its troops fired warning shots near the crowd but insisted it was only to prevent what they called “an immediate threat.”
Officials also questioned the casualty numbers, suggesting they may have been exaggerated, and emphasized that aid convoys are not intentional targets.
They reiterated their claim that they work with international partners to facilitate humanitarian deliveries and view them as critical.
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Violence and Calls for Peace
As global concern grows, Pope Leo XIV voiced strong criticism of the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Speaking from Castel Gandolfo near Rome, he denounced what he called the “barbarity” of the war and pleaded for a peaceful resolution.
The Pope had just spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a deadly strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which had been sheltering around 600 civilians—mostly children and people with special needs.
“I ask once again for an immediate end to the war,” he said, also urging the international community to uphold humanitarian law and prevent further civilian suffering.
Gaza’s Aid System on the Brink of Collapse
The unfolding tragedy comes as Israel issued new evacuation warnings for parts of central Gaza—an area that had, until now, seen little ground troop presence.
This region is also where many international aid groups operate, and several organizations say they were suddenly told to evacuate.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, and people are collapsing from hunger and exhaustion.
The Gaza health ministry warned that hundreds of people—many severely malnourished—could die if food doesn’t reach them soon.
Families Are Starving as Food Becomes Scarcer
Ziad, a father of five and a nurse, described the daily horror of trying to find even a single loaf of bread.
“People who didn’t die from bombs will die of hunger,” he told Reuters.
Others said they often go a full day without a meal, and many are fainting in the streets from sheer exhaustion.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said Israel has not allowed the delivery of enough food, even though stockpiles are ready and could feed the entire population for months.
Deir al-Balah Now in the Crosshairs
Evacuation leaflets were dropped over Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, warning residents to flee.
Soon after, residents said airstrikes hit homes in the area.
While Israel’s military hasn’t entered these neighborhoods yet, it claims it is preparing to target Hamas infrastructure.
Sources suggest that hostages may be held in the area, and at least 20 of the 50 remaining hostages are believed to still be alive.
This has led to renewed fears from families, who are demanding answers and assurances from Israeli authorities.
Civilians Caught Between Violence and Starvation
Much of Gaza has become uninhabitable.
More than 58,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the war began in October 2023, and the vast majority of the two million residents have been displaced multiple times.
The health ministry says 71 children have already died from malnutrition, with tens of thousands more suffering from hunger-related conditions.
On Sunday alone, they reported 18 deaths from starvation in just 24 hours.
Calls Grow Louder for a Ceasefire
With the humanitarian crisis deepening and food prices far beyond what most people can afford, calls for a ceasefire are growing louder.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Doha, aiming for a 60-day truce and hostage deal, but there’s still no sign of a breakthrough.
For now, civilians are left to fend for themselves—caught between deadly airstrikes, grinding hunger, and a desperate need for relief.
A War with No End in Sight
The conflict, sparked by Hamas-led militants’ surprise attack on Israel in October 2023—which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages—has only escalated.
And with every passing day, the toll on innocent lives continues to grow, leaving the international community grappling with how to stop the suffering.