Israeli gunfire in Gaza leaves 73 seeking aid dead, as reported by the health ministry on Sunday
In a distressing turn of events, a 25-truck convoy carrying vital food assistance from the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) was targeted in northern Gaza on Sunday. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of 85-93 lives, according to reports from Gaza's Health Ministry and local hospitals.
The convoy, which was en route to deliver much-needed aid, reportedly came under fire from Israeli forces as it approached a crowd of civilians seeking assistance. The Israeli military, however, disputes the death toll, claiming they fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat posed to them.
This latest incident is not an isolated occurrence. Over the past 21 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, multiple incidents have been reported in Gaza where Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid, particularly food, have been killed, often under circumstances involving gunfire.
The most significant incident occurred on July 20–21, 2025, when at least 85 people (with some reports suggesting as many as 93 fatalities) were killed while attempting to reach aid at various locations across Gaza, primarily in the north near the Zikim crossing with Israel.
The recurring violence against aid-seekers has been condemned as "completely unacceptable" by UN agencies and humanitarian organisations. They have called for immediate protection of civilians and unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance.
The underlying causes of these tragedies are complex, stemming from desperation for aid, chaotic crowds, ongoing conflict, and security concerns. Northern Gaza, in particular, has been described as having "starving communities" where desperation for food and supplies leads to large, unpredictable gatherings whenever aid arrives.
Israeli military statements often cite security concerns, claiming that large, chaotic crowds around aid convoys can pose an immediate threat to troops or aid workers, potentially leading to violence, looting, or even attacks by armed groups.
Meanwhile, international organisations, including the UN World Food Programme and U.S.-based NGOs, have expressed alarm at the recurring violence against aid-seekers and are calling for safe aid access. Israeli authorities, at times, have restricted or withdrawn the access of international officials critical of the humanitarian situation.
In response to these events, the WFP has stated that shooting near humanitarian missions, convoys, and food distributions must stop immediately. The organisation continues to work tirelessly to deliver life-saving aid to those in need in Gaza and around the world.
References: [1] Human Rights Watch, "Israel/Gaza: Aid Workers Under Fire," 2025. [2] Amnesty International, "Israel/Gaza: Unlawful Killings of Aid Seekers," 2025.
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