A desperate search for food has become a deadly gantlet for Palestinians in Gaza, as Israeli troops and thieves threaten those who attempt to cross military zones to reach aid centers. Despite Israel allowing food into Gaza last month after cutting it off completely for 10 weeks, the situation remains dire.
Thousands of people must walk miles to reach the four main food distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-backed private contractor. However, daily gunfire by Israeli troops has killed hundreds and wounded many more in recent weeks. Meanwhile, hungry crowds overwhelm the U.N.’s truck convoys, stripping away supplies.
Palestinian witnesses describe heavy barrages from tanks, snipers, drones, and even guns mounted on cranes, which prevent crowds from moving past a certain point before the centers open. GHF says no shootings have taken place in or near its hubs, but incidents occur when aid-seekers try to take short cuts.
Thieves also wait to ambush those who succeed in reaching the food centers, often targeting people with food boxes. Palestinians are forced into a competition to feed their families, with many returning empty-handed and attempting the ordeal again the next day.
“It’s not aid; it’s humiliation. It’s death,” said Jamil Atili, who was pepper-sprayed by contractor guards for having nothing to feed his 13 family members. The U.N. says the current supplies are insufficient to stave off starvation.
The situation is described as “apocalyptic” by some, with people showing a callousness towards each other in their pursuit of food. “No one will show you mercy these days. Everybody fends for themselves,” said Omar al-Hobi, who managed to grab a pack of lentils but remains shaken by his brushes with death.
The crisis highlights the dire need for humanitarian assistance and an end to the conflict that has ravaged Gaza for years.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/21/nx-s1-5441051/gaza-residents-food-search