Four Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces while attempting to reach a food distribution point near Gaza City on Sunday, according to witnesses. The incident occurred in a military zone south of the city, which is regularly used to access a hospital and aid sites.
Gaza City is facing a severe famine crisis due to 22 months of conflict and ongoing restrictions on food and medical supplies entering the territory. Israel’s defense minister has warned that the city could be destroyed, with hundreds of thousands of people at risk.
The incident was reported by Al-Awda Hospital and two witnesses, who described the gunfire as indiscriminate. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US contractor backed by Israel, said it did not occur near their site but refused to comment further.
Sunday’s report brings the total number of malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza to 289, with children making up 115 of those victims. At least 62,686 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including missing people confirmed dead by a special ministry judicial committee.
Aid groups have warned that the conflict and restrictions are causing widespread starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has declared famine in Gaza City, which could spread to other areas by the end of next month.
Meanwhile, residents near Gaza City reported hearing non-stop explosions and witnessing robots planting explosives as troops advanced. Many Palestinians are exhausted from repeated displacements and are skeptical about the safety of humanitarian zones.
Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people in October, killing around 1,200 civilians. The war is ongoing, with efforts toward a ceasefire awaiting Israel’s next move.
Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/24/4-palestinians-shot-dead-by-israeli-forces-while-seeking-aid-near-gaza-city-witnesses-say