Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Gaza Aid Sites as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on Saturday, killing at least 10 people as large crowds gathered in search of food, according to witnesses and health workers. The incidents occurred amid ongoing efforts to address severe shortages of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, where over 2 million people now depend on external assistance after nearly 22 months of conflict.

Fares Awad, head of Gaza's health ministry ambulance and emergency service, reported that an additional 19 people were shot dead near the Zikim crossing as they attempted to obtain aid. The United Nations and humanitarian partners have warned that the current level of aid entering Gaza is far below what is needed, with hundreds of trucks waiting for Israeli approval and many supplies being intercepted before reaching distribution centers. Germany's government described the aid as "far from sufficient," and the U.N. has called for 500 to 600 trucks of aid per day.

The GHF, which is supported by U.S. funding and was launched in May as an alternative to the U.N.-run system, stated that its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to control crowds. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at gatherings approaching its forces but was not aware of any live fire in certain areas. The GHF also said nothing had happened near its sites. According to a recent U.N. report, 859 people were killed near GHF sites between May 27 and July 31, though Israel and GHF officials dispute the figures.

The humanitarian situation has worsened, with Gaza's health ministry reporting seven deaths from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, including a child. Since the start of the war, the ministry says 93 children and 76 adults have died from malnutrition-related causes. Airstrikes also continue, with Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis receiving bodies after Israeli strikes on tents and homes sheltering displaced people.

Families of the approximately 50 hostages still held in Gaza have expressed concern for their relatives' welfare, particularly after images emerged of an emaciated hostage. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with hostages' families on Saturday, but according to Michel Illouz, father of hostage Guy Illouz, "I didn’t hear anything new from him. I heard that there was pressure from the Americans to end this operation, but we didn’t hear anything practical."

The war began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in about 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel's subsequent offensive has killed more than 60,400 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is regarded by the U.N. as the most reliable source for casualty figures, though it does not distinguish between militants and civilians.