At Least 29 Killed as Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Aid Sites in Gaza, Hunger Crisis Deepens

Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites in Gaza operated by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), killing at least 10 people on Saturday, according to witnesses and health workers. The violence came just a day after U.S. officials toured a GHF site, with the U.S. ambassador calling the system “an incredible feat.”

Elsewhere, another 19 people were reportedly shot dead while crowding near the Zikim crossing in hopes of receiving aid, said Fares Awad, head of Gaza’s ambulance and emergency services.

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🔴 Worsening Hunger and Famine Warnings

More than 2 million people in Gaza are now dependent on aid after nearly 22 months of war. Despite Israel’s recent announcement of limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops, the UN and international agencies warn that aid remains grossly insufficient, with life-saving supplies stuck outside Gaza due to Israeli restrictions.

On Saturday, Gaza’s health ministry reported that seven people — including a child — died of malnutrition-related causes in just 24 hours. Aid experts warn that a “worst-case scenario of famine” is unfolding.

The UN says Gaza needs 500–600 aid trucks daily. Most that do enter are stripped of supplies by desperate crowds or looters before reaching official distribution points.

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📍 Where the Shootings Happened

• Netzarim Corridor (Northern Gaza):
  At least eight killed, according to health workers. Witnesses said Israeli troops fired into a crowd of people waiting for aid.

  “It’s the same daily episode,” said Yahia Youssef, who helped carry wounded victims.

• Shakoush Area (Rafah, Southern Gaza):
  Two people were killed, and many others injured when troops allegedly opened fire hundreds of meters from a GHF site.

• Zikim Crossing:
  19 reported dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

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🧷 Israel and GHF Response

• Israel’s military claimed it fired only “warning shots” in some areas and said it was “not aware” of firing near Rafah.

• The GHF, which has received millions in U.S. funding, claimed nothing occurred near its sites and stated that its security contractors only use pepper spray or warning shots to manage crowds.

From May 27 to July 31, the UN says 859 people have been killed near GHF sites. Israel and the GHF dispute that figure.

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🚨 Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties Continue

• Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received five bodies after Israeli strikes hit tents sheltering displaced people.

• A separate airstrike between Zawaida and Deir al-Balah killed two parents and their three children, according to emergency services.

• Another strike in Khan Younis killed a mother and her daughter.

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💔 Hostage Crisis and Growing Pressure

Families of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza expressed concern that their loved ones are starving. Images of emaciated hostage Evyatar David, released by Hamas, have intensified public pressure.

“The aid meant to ease suffering must reach the hostages too,” said his brother at a protest in Tel Aviv.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently quit ceasefire talks, met with hostage families Saturday.

“We didn’t hear anything practical,” said Michel Illouz, father of hostage Guy Illouz.

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🏚️ Palestinians Return to Rubble

“Destruction, destruction… Where will people settle?” said Mohamed Qeiqa, surveying the ruins of his Gaza City neighborhood.

Most Palestinians are now crammed into so-called “safe zones” that continue to shrink amid bombardments.

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📊 Death Toll and Humanitarian Outlook

• Since Oct. 7, 2023:

  • ~1,200 Israelis killed in Hamas’ initial attack

  • 60,400+ Palestinians killed in Israel’s response (Gaza Health Ministry)

  • 93 children and 76 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since June

  • Aid workers call for restoration of UN-led food convoys, citing chaos in GHF-led operations

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UN’s top aid official Philippe Lazzarini urged a return to the UN distribution system:

“Let us do our job. Let’s go back to what works.”

With trust in the GHF system deteriorating and famine-like conditions spreading, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no sign of abating.