At least 40 killed in Gaza strikes as starvation deaths rise, aid crisis deepens

At least 40 Palestinians were killed on Monday by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across Gaza, including 10 who were trying to access aid, according to Gaza’s health authorities. 

Another five people reportedly died of starvation, fueling fears of a worsening famine.

The 10 fatalities occurred in two separate incidents near aid distribution centers of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in central and southern Gaza, medics said. The UN reports that over 1,000 people have been killed while attempting to collect aid since GHF operations began in May—most shot by Israeli forces near aid sites.

“People go there either for flour or end up injured or dead,” said Gaza resident Bilal Thari, mourning at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. There, bodies were wrapped in patterned blankets as burial shrouds ran out due to border restrictions and the growing death toll.

On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed waiting for UN aid at the Zikim crossing near northern Gaza. The Israeli military has not commented on the recent incidents.

Israel claims it is working to improve aid flow, including announcing protected corridors and partial pauses in fighting. However, the UN and humanitarian agencies say land access must be significantly increased to prevent mass starvation.

Starvation Deaths Climb Amid Aid Shortages

Gaza’s health ministry said five more people died of hunger or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll from starvation to at least 180—nearly half of them children. Fuel shortages have crippled hospitals and essential services, according to officials.

While COGAT, the Israeli body overseeing aid, said over 23,000 tons of aid in 1,200 trucks entered Gaza last week, many trucks remain undelivered due to logistical issues. Meanwhile, some aid trucks have been looted by desperate civilians and armed groups.

Gaza needs at least 600 trucks of aid daily to meet minimum humanitarian needs—similar to pre-war levels—but actual deliveries remain far below that.

Hostage Crisis Deepens Tensions

Israel’s offensive began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Over 60,000 Palestinians have since been killed in Israeli strikes, Gaza health officials say.

Israel says 50 hostages remain in Gaza, but only 20 are believed to be alive. Over the weekend, Hamas released disturbing footage of captive Evyatar David, appearing emaciated and digging his own grave. Western leaders condemned the video, and Israel called for a UN Security Council meeting.

Hamas has offered to coordinate humanitarian aid for the hostages via the Red Cross, but only if Israel halts strikes and opens aid corridors. The Hostages Families Forum dismissed the offer, demanding the captives’ immediate release.

Hamas said it was prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions, after a video it released showing an emaciated captive drew sharp criticism from Western powers.

Hamas said any coordination with the Red Cross is contingent upon Israel permanently opening humanitarian corridors and halting airstrikes during the distribution of aid.

International Response and Ongoing Aid Efforts

France and Belgium have begun air-dropping aid into Gaza, but UN agencies warn this is insufficient. On Sunday, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported one of its staff members was killed in an Israeli strike on its Khan Younis office.

With fuel access restricted since March, Gaza’s humanitarian collapse continues. Israel allowed some fuel into Gaza on Sunday for critical services, though the entry of additional supplies from Egypt remains unconfirmed.

Despite the easing of some restrictions, many fear the current pace of aid deliveries cannot prevent further deaths. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the vast majority of the 2.2 million residents displaced and struggling to survive.