Israeli soldiers shot and killed 16 Palestinians who were waiting for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, as reported by Palestinian medics at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on March 16, 2024. The victims were gathered near the northern Zikim border crossing when the incident occurred. Additionally, approximately 300 individuals sustained injuries during the event.
The Israeli military has not yet issued a statement regarding this incident, and independent verification of the claims made by medical personnel has not been possible. Reports indicate that Gazans have faced gunfire while awaiting aid distribution or while near border crossings in the past.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
In recent weeks, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened significantly. An Israeli and UN-supported aid organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been active in the region, but numerous Palestinian media outlets have reported instances of violence against those waiting for assistance. GHF distribution centers are reportedly guarded by private US security firms.
The Israeli military has previously stated that soldiers may fire upon individuals approaching troops without authorization or entering restricted zones. The GHF has consistently denied allegations of violence; however, the United Nations has noted that hundreds of fatalities have occurred at GHF distribution sites since the end of May 2023.
In an effort to curb Hamas from diverting aid supplies, Israel implemented a new distribution framework. Previously, the UN managed around 400 distribution centers serving approximately 2 million Palestinians. These centers are now largely ineffective, with Israel restricting resupply efforts.
International aid organizations have described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic. With limited humanitarian aid permitted into the densely populated region, many residents are facing starvation. The local health authority has reported that over 100 individuals have died from malnutrition, with children comprising 80% of these deaths.
Claims of Food Shortages and Aid Delivery
Israel refutes claims of famine in the Gaza Strip, attributing the food shortages to the failure of UN organizations to effectively distribute available aid. The UN contends that the Israeli military frequently does not ensure safe transport routes for aid within the coastal enclave.
According to COGAT, the Israeli military authority responsible for managing aid transfers, 100 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza on March 15, 2024. COGAT stated that UN organizations were responsible for distributing these goods. Despite this, the UN has indicated that only a handful of aid convoys have successfully reached the area in recent weeks.
For Gaza to receive sufficient supplies, experts estimate that around 500 trucks of humanitarian aid would need to enter the region daily. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community continues to call for increased access to aid in the beleaguered enclave.
