In the past 24 hours, at least 91 people have lost their lives and 600 others have been injured while waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza, as the region teeters on the edge of famine. The violence occurred as US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel for high-level ceasefire talks and to oversee food distribution efforts. On Wednesday night, large crowds gathered at the Zikim crossing, hoping for access to desperately needed supplies, but were met with gunfire. Al-Saraya field hospital reported receiving over 100 casualties, and the number of deaths is expected to climb.
Tragedy continued on Thursday morning when Israeli forces opened fire at aid seekers near distribution points in central Gaza and Rafah, resulting in 19 more fatalities. Humanitarian organizations have declared Gaza is experiencing a severe famine, with the international food security authority confirming the crisis. According to Gaza health officials, seven children died of hunger on Wednesday alone, bringing the total malnutrition death toll to 154. The World Health Organization emphasized the excruciating pain of starvation for children, warning that acute malnutrition can be fatal without urgent intervention.
The United Nations has described the situation as a “man-made tragedy,” cautioning that recovery could take months or even years. As food shortages intensify, the breakdown of social order is evident, with hundreds of desperate individuals routinely gathering for the arrival of rare aid trucks—often leading to looting as soon as supplies reach the area.
