At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire on Sunday as they waited near UN aid trucks in northern Gaza, in what has become one of the deadliest incidents involving civilians seeking humanitarian assistance. According to Gaza’s health ministry, dozens more were wounded, adding to a rising toll from similar attacks — 36 were killed on Saturday and six more near another aid site in southern Gaza.
Israel’s military claimed its troops fired “warning shots” at what they described as an “immediate threat” from crowds. Officials denied intentionally targeting aid seekers and said initial findings suggested the casualty figures may be exaggerated. No comment was issued regarding the southern incident.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that a convoy of 25 aid trucks encountered “massive crowds of hungry civilians” before coming under fire. The agency condemned the violence, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
Displacement, Hunger Worsen as Evacuations Ordered and Truce Talks Falter
The attack comes as the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders in central Gaza’s Deir Al Balah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. Airstrikes followed shortly after, hitting residential homes and prompting dozens of families to flee again. The Israeli army said it has not entered the districts under the evacuation order but is targeting “terrorist infrastructure.”
The worsening humanitarian crisis has left Gaza’s population — now mostly displaced — facing starvation. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 71 children have died from malnutrition, and 18 people succumbed to hunger in the past 24 hours alone. More than 60,000 children are suffering from signs of severe malnutrition.
UN agencies say Gaza is on the brink of famine and have demanded Israel allow in more aid trucks. UNRWA stated it has food stocks to feed Gaza’s population for over three months, but Israeli restrictions have blocked access.
Many Gaza residents are going without meals. “People who didn’t die from bombs will die of hunger,” said Ziad, a nurse and father of five. “We want an end to this war now — even a two-month truce.”
58,000 Killed, Ceasefire Talks Stalled Amid Mounting Civilian Toll
Palestinian officials reported that at least 90 people were killed across Gaza on Sunday alone by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire. The total death toll since the war began now exceeds 58,000, with almost the entire population displaced and aid routes severely restricted.
The violence also threatens to derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. Talks between Israel and Hamas over a 60-day truce and hostage exchange have made little progress, and a Hamas official warned that rising civilian deaths and starvation could jeopardize any potential deal.
Reports suggest Israel’s pressure on Deir Al Balah may be aimed at forcing concessions from Hamas, as the area is suspected to house hostages, including 20 believed to be alive. Hostage families in Israel are demanding clarity on military decisions, warning that further escalation could endanger their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo condemned the violence and called for an end to the “barbarity of war” following a deadly Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, which killed three civilians last week.
