A funeral was held in Gaza City for seven individuals killed while seeking assistance, part of a broader trend of violence that left at least 33 Palestinians dead on Wednesday, according to rescuers and the health ministry. Israeli forces reportedly opened fire and conducted airstrikes, with civil defense agencies citing 19 fatalities from air attacks in northern and southern Gaza. Conflicting accounts emerged from the Israeli military, which stated that they fired warning shots but were unaware of injuries at the time.
The situation is exacerbated by significant humanitarian challenges, as reports indicate that hundreds have died while attempting to access aid since May. The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates independently of the UN, aims to streamline aid distribution but faces criticism for violating humanitarian principles and contributing to worsening hunger in the region. The World Food Program warned that a surge in need for food has led to large crowds gathering for assistance, with only a small fraction of required aid being dispatched.
Following increased conflict initiated by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the toll on Gaza has been severe, with reports indicating around 55,637 deaths since the campaign began. The situation remains dire, with calls for accountability and a reevaluation of the aid distribution system.
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