The World Food Programme (WFP) has accused Israeli forces of opening fire with tanks, snipers, and other weapons on Palestinians attempting to receive food aid in northern Gaza, calling it one of the deadliest incidents for aid-seekers in the ongoing conflict.
In a statement issued Sunday, the WFP condemned the violence, which occurred as residents gathered around a convoy of 25 trucks carrying food. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 80 people were killed, though Israel claims it only fired warning shots to remove what it described as an immediate threat, and questioned the reported casualty figures.
The WFP said the crowd near its convoy came under live fire, resulting in the loss of “countless lives.” Witnesses and a UN official on the ground supported the account, further intensifying concerns over the growing risks faced by Palestinians seeking basic necessities amid the nearly two-year war.
A photographer working with the Associated Press counted 31 bodies at Shifa Hospital and another 20 at Sheikh Radwan Clinic, following the incident.
“These individuals were simply trying to obtain food for themselves and their families, many of whom are on the brink of starvation,” the WFP stated, expressing concern that the attack occurred despite Israeli assurances that humanitarian corridors would be safe and clear of military presence.
“Shootings near aid operations and food convoys must end immediately,” the agency added.
The Israeli military declined to comment directly on WFP’s accusations. However, a military spokesperson shared a video online showing soldiers near an aid truck, with one repeatedly shouting “Do not shoot!” The footage could not be independently verified by the AP, and its location remained unclear.
Foreign media remain barred from entering Gaza, making independent verification of such incidents difficult.
Ongoing Aid Challenges and Rising Death Toll
The attack comes amid severe obstacles to humanitarian access in Gaza, where aid delivery has become increasingly dangerous. A separate, U.S.- and Israeli-supported aid initiative has also faced criticism due to recurring violence near distribution points.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that more than 59,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, with over half of the fatalities being women and children. The Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but the UN and other international bodies continue to rely on its figures.
Israeli Strikes Continue
On Monday, at least 13 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes across the enclave, health officials said. Two more were reportedly shot while waiting near aid trucks at the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, according to Shifa Hospital Director Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, who said Israeli forces had opened fire.
Another overnight strike hit a tent shelter in Khan Younis, killing five members of a single family, while other airstrikes targeted tents and a residential building in Gaza City, officials added.
Separately, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Israeli troops had detained Dr. Marwan al-Hams, acting director of the territory’s field hospitals and the ministry’s spokesperson. The Israeli military has yet to comment.
The conflict began after Hamas militants launched an attack into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel believes fewer than half of the remaining 50 hostages are still alive.
Israel Launches New Strikes in Yemen
The Gaza war has also triggered wider regional clashes. On Monday, Israel confirmed it struck Hodeidah port in Yemen, targeting infrastructure allegedly used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to receive weapons and launch missile attacks on Israel.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would continue to target Houthis using civilian sites for military purposes. Israel last struck Hodeidah two weeks ago.
“The Houthis will pay a heavy price for attacking Israel,” Gallant warned.