At Least 48 Killed Seeking Food in Gaza Amid Aid Crisis

Palestinians carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, July 30, 2025.

At least 48 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured on Wednesday while waiting for food at the Zikim Crossing in Gaza, according to medical sources. The incident occurred amid worsening conditions in the besieged territory, as desperation grows over the lack of humanitarian aid.

The tragedy unfolded as the US Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, prepares to visit Israel for discussions focused on halting the war and securing the release of hostages taken during the 7 October Hamas attack.

Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported receiving the dead and wounded from the shooting, which took place at Gaza’s main humanitarian aid entry point in the north. It remains unclear who opened fire, and the Israeli military has not commented on the incident.

Footage from the scene showed survivors carrying bags of flour, while the wounded were transported in wooden carts. Al-Saraya Field Hospital reported receiving over 100 dead and injured, and health officials warned the toll could rise.

Separately, at least 46 Palestinians were reportedly killed overnight and into Wednesday, mostly while attempting to access aid. Seven others, including a child, died from malnutrition-related causes, officials said.

The Gaza Health Ministry has confirmed a growing number of deaths from hunger, with 89 children and 65 adults having died from malnutrition since the war began.

Despite international pressure, aid deliveries remain far below the necessary level. While Israel recently allowed 220 aid trucks into Gaza in one day, UN officials state that 500 to 600 trucks daily are required to meet basic needs. Most aid deliveries continue to be disrupted by crowding, insecurity, and limited access in Israeli-controlled zones.

Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire while trying to collect aid since May, according to local health officials and the UN. The Israeli military insists it only fires warning shots, while the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation claims its contractors use minimal force.

International airdrops have resumed, though some aid has landed in areas marked for evacuation or fallen into the sea, prompting people to swim for soaked supplies.

Israel denies claims of famine, despite mounting evidence and warnings from global hunger experts. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has not declared a famine yet but warned of “widespread death” unless immediate action is taken.

The ongoing war began with Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The figure includes both civilians and militants and is widely regarded as the most reliable estimate by international organisations.