Israel’s war in Gaza has continued with a deadly escalation as the country focuses on its conflict with Iran. In recent days, at least 59 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military drones and artillery fire while trying to reach food distribution sites, bringing the total death toll to over 400 since March 27. The deaths occurred when a large crowd gathered in southern Gaza’s city of Khan Younis, where Israeli forces had ordered an evacuation.
The conflict has plunged millions of people in Gaza into extreme hunger, with half a million facing starvation and the entire territory at risk of famine. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, including children, who have been wounded by artillery fire and drones.
Israel says its restrictions on food aid are aimed at preventing it from benefiting Hamas, which holds an estimated 33 hostages still alive. However, humanitarian groups say that the current system is creating hazardous conditions and killing people trying to reach food aid.
“The hospital has exceeded its capacity and is operating with limited supplies,” said Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders. “It could collapse at any moment.”
The UN has criticized the new mechanism run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which aims to distribute aid in a way that prevents it from benefiting Hamas. However, critics say that this system is creating more problems than it’s solving.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is calling for an end to the violence and increased access to humanitarian aid. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of Palestinians facing starvation and death every day.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/17/g-s1-73175/gaza-hunger-aid-attacks-israel