A military offensive by Israeli forces has killed dozens of Palestinians near aid distribution points, exacerbating the hunger crisis in Gaza and prompting urgent international condemnation.
At a Glance
- Israeli strikes near aid hubs have killed over 60 Palestinians on 22 July alone, including aid seekers and children.
- Since May, more than 1,000 Palestinians have died at these sites under heavy restrictions and encirclement.
- Health officials report multiple deaths from famine daily, including infants and malnourished children.
- Israel has begun a ground offensive into central Gaza, including Deir al-Balah, displacing thousands.
- A coalition of 28 nations has condemned Israel’s “drip‑feeding” of aid and demanded compliance with humanitarian law.
Dire Humanitarian Collapse
Since early July, Gaza has been sliding into famine as an Israeli blockade and military action restrict food access. The Gaza Strip’s health ministry confirms at least 15 people died of malnutrition in the past 24 hours, with malnourished children being especially affected. Aid agencies warn conditions are now the worst since the war began. Since May, UN figures show over 1,054 Palestinians have perished at aid distribution centers alone—vast numbers of men, women, and children killed while attempting to obtain food. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with medics fainting from exhaustion and hunger, and WHO facilities reportedly struck multiple times, disrupting vital medical services.
Watch a report: “‘We are dying of hunger’: Gaza civilians collapse under total Israeli …” (YouTube)
Military Escalation and Global Alarm
On 21 July, Israeli forces launched a major ground operation into Deir al-Balah—one of the last areas still functioning as a civilian refuge—accompanied by airstrikes that killed over 130 Palestinians and injured more than 1,000 across Gaza in a single day. This has intensified displacement and deepened concerns over the safety of Israeli hostages. The EU, UN, and 28 countries have criticized Israel’s “dangerous” tactics of restricting aid, while demanding respect for international humanitarian law and immediate ceasefire to allow for unhindered assistance.
Ceasefire Talks and Humanitarian Imperatives
Hamas has announced engagement with mediators to negotiate a ceasefire intended to “stop the famine,” while Israel maintains coordination with international partners for aid delivery despite the military operations. The UN Secretary‑General has described Gaza as a “horror show,” urging for full ceasefire and unimpeded aid, while WHO warns that operational capacity has been significantly degraded after multiple strikes on its premises.
The mounting civilian death toll at aid points and widespread famine risk have triggered urgent calls for action. Humanitarian groups insist that pause in fighting, secure corridors, and accountability mechanisms are essential to prevent further mass casualties. The failure to deliver sufficient and safe aid is increasingly seen as a strategic military tool, driving unprecedented suffering.
Humanity now stands at a crossroads: unless the shootings stop and aid flows freely, Gaza may witness a deeper descent into famine and catastrophe.