Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 people, according to witnesses and health workers. The violence came a day after U.S. officials visited a GHF site, where the U.S. ambassador called the troubled system “an incredible feat.” Another 19 people were shot dead as they crowded near the Zikim crossing from Israel in the hope of obtaining aid. Nearly a week has passed since Israel announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza’s over 2 million people. However, the United Nations, partners, and Palestinians say far too little aid is coming in, with months of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Experts this week said a “worst-case scenario of famine” was occurring, with seven Palestinians having died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, including a child. The U.N. has said 500 to 600 trucks of aid are needed daily. Families of the 50 hostages still in Gaza fear they are going hungry too, and blame Hamas, after the militants released images of an emaciated hostage, Evyatar David.
Israeli fire has killed Gaza aid-seekers, prompting a US envoy to meet with hostages’ families.
