Seven Palestinians have died in chaotic scenes at a United Nations food warehouse in central Gaza as hundreds rushed to get food amid severe shortages. The incident happened on Wednesday when crowds pushed, shouted, and tore parts of the warehouse in desperation to find something to eat. Hospital officials confirmed the deaths, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The shortages come after nearly three months of Israeli border closures that have brought Gaza to the brink of famine. People across Gaza have struggled to find basic food supplies, with many forced to walk long distances to reach aid centers only to return empty-handed.
Earlier this week, another crowd attempted to access a food distribution hub in Rafah run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This effort led to gunfire, resulting in at least one death and dozens of injuries, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Despite the violence, people continued to try reaching these aid points, showing how dire the situation has become.
The United Nations and other humanitarian groups have criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s new role in aid distribution. They argue that it cannot meet the needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and that it gives Israel control over food supplies, increasing tensions between the population and Israeli forces.
A United Nations envoy described the limited aid allowed into Gaza as insufficient to stop a looming famine. The continuing blockade and restrictions have left many people without hope, facing starvation and a lack of essential supplies.
In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the killing of Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and brother of Yahya Sinwar, who was a key figure in the militant group’s attacks last year. Netanyahu confirmed Sinwar’s death in a recent airstrike, marking another significant event in the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Gaza remains critical as food shortages and violence around aid centers continue. Millions face severe hunger, and humanitarian organizations urge for safe and effective delivery of aid to prevent further loss of life.
