Asger Risom
At least 93 Palestinians were killed on Sunday after Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on crowds waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to the territory’s Civil Defense authority.
At least 93 Palestinians were killed on Sunday after Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on crowds waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to the territory’s Civil Defense authority.
93 Reported Killed in Aid Queue Shooting
Civil Defense officials in Gaza said Israeli gunfire targeted civilians gathered at several aid distribution points. Most deaths, 80, occurred in the Zikim area, northwest of Gaza City.
UN Agency Confirms Shooting at Aid Convoy
The World Food Programme confirmed that one of its convoys encountered “immense crowds of starving civilians” in Zikim, some of whom were shot at. The agency condemned the violence as “completely unacceptable.”
Israeli Army Denies Toll, Cites Security Threat
The Israeli Defense Forces said troops fired warning shots to counter what they described as an “immediate threat” posed by thousands gathered at the scene. They disputed Gaza’s reported death toll.
Famine and Malnutrition Among Infants Rising
Gaza’s Civil Police reported a surge in child fatalities due to “extreme hunger and malnutrition,” including at least three infant deaths in the past week.
Heavy Bombardments Continue Elsewhere
In addition to the aid-related incident, Gaza officials reported 23 more deaths in ongoing bombardments across the territory. The military offensive shows no signs of abating.
Evacuation Orders Expand to Central Gaza
Israel has extended its operations into Deir al-Balah, issuing fresh evacuation orders. Families are reportedly fleeing on foot or in carts, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
UN: Lifeline Systems Under Siege
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said mass evacuations are straining what remains of Gaza’s fragile aid infrastructure, pushing relief efforts to the brink.
Pope Leo XIV Denounces Gaza “Barbarity”
In a statement from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate end to what he described as the “barbarity” of the war, following a deadly Israeli strike on a Catholic church days earlier.
Over Two Million Displaced at Least Once
Nearly the entire population of Gaza—over two million people—has been displaced at least once during the nearly two-year-long conflict, according to international observers.
