Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza Amid Rising Death Toll
A dire humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in the Gaza Strip where Israeli airstrikes and a controversial aid distribution system have resulted in a mounting death toll. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks have killed at least 83 Palestinians, including 53 aid seekers, and injured 554 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since May, when a new aid distribution system was introduced, over 1,373 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed.
Rising Fatalities Amid Airstrikes and Aid Distribution Chaos
Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in numerous casualties. In particular, a home in Jabalia al-Balad, north of Gaza Strip, was targeted, resulting in the death of at least one woman and multiple civilian injuries, including children. In a separate incident, a man was killed by an Israeli drone strike in the Qizan al-Najjar area, south of Khan Younis.
Meanwhile, the distribution of aid, which has been reinstated by Israel in an effort to keep it out of the hands of Hamas, has been marred by violence. At least seven Palestinians seeking aid were killed near a distribution point south of Khan Younis, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders reported treating over 600 aid seekers for injuries after Israeli soldiers opened fire on them near the distribution points.
Controversy Over Aid Distribution Model
The aid distribution system, managed by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been under criticism for its militarized approach and the resulting violence. Human Rights Watch has said that Israeli forces' actions at GHF distribution sites amount to war crimes.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has stated that Israel will preside over aid distribution to ensure proper distribution, citing Hamas's alleged theft of aid meant for civilians. However, senior Israeli military officials have admitted that they have no evidence that Hamas systematically stole aid from the United Nations in Gaza, a claim that was used to justify the establishment of the GHF.
Global Response and Implications
The situation has sparked global outrage and protests, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallying against the Boston Consulting Group, a firm involved in modeling the controversial aid distribution system. Humanitarian organizations have been calling for immediate action to address the crisis. The UN human rights office has condemned the killings, asserting that most were committed by the Israeli military.
The crisis in Gaza, marked by escalating violence and a growing humanitarian crisis, shows no signs of abating. As international scrutiny intensifies, the question remains how the international community will respond to the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.