DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip : More than a dozen Palestinians, including eight aid-seekers, were killed by Israeli gunfire on Saturday, according to hospitals in Gaza, as civilians continued risking their lives in search of food amid worsening famine and restrictions on humanitarian access.
Eyewitnesses described chaos near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution point. Yahia Youssef, one of many seeking aid, said he saw multiple wounded and bleeding bodies on the ground after shots were fired. “It’s the same daily episode,” he lamented.
The GHF denied any incidents occurred near their site, despite testimonies and mounting evidence. The violence comes just a day after U.S. officials, including Ambassador Mike Huckabee, visited one of the sites and praised the operation as “an incredible feat.” The contrast between official statements and ground realities has fueled international criticism.
“There was no threat to the troops,” insisted Abed Salah, a survivor near the Netzarim corridor. “I escaped death miraculously.”
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen in Gaza, where famine conditions have taken hold. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported seven more deaths from malnutrition, including a child, bringing the total malnutrition-related child deaths to 93 since the war began. An additional 76 adults have died from hunger since late June.
A recent UN report revealed that 859 people were killed near GHF sites between May 27 and July 31, with hundreds more dying along food convoy routes. GHF claims its contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots, while the Israeli military also insists it only fires warning shots.
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire reportedly killed at least 18 Palestinians, including five struck while waiting for aid near the Morag corridor in Rafah and between Rafah and Khan Younis. At Nasser Hospital, staff received the bodies of five civilians, including two brothers and a relative, killed in tent strikes.
In another airstrike between Zawaida and Deir al-Balah, two parents and their three children were killed. A separate strike in Khan Younis hit a tent near a closed prison, killing a mother and her daughter.
Israel’s military has not responded to inquiries about these incidents.
Hostage Crisis Fuels Protests in Israel
In Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages rallied, demanding the government strike a deal to secure their release. Their anguish intensified after militant groups released new videos of hostages. The family of Rom Braslavski, 21, shared an image showing him gaunt and visibly distressed.
“They broke my child,” said his mother, Tami Braslavski. “I want him home now.”
Protesters urged leaders to act swiftly: “Stop this nightmare and bring them out of the tunnels,” said Lior Chorev, spokesperson for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Airdrops Expand but Prove Inadequate
Meanwhile, Jordan-led airdrop operations continue, now joined by several European countries, yet experts say they barely scratch the surface of Gaza’s needs.
“If there is political will for costly and inefficient airdrops,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, “there should be the same will to open road crossings. Let us do our job.”
