Deir al-Balah, July 21: In one of the deadliest days for civilians seeking humanitarian assistance in Gaza, at least 85 Palestinians were killed on Sunday during shootings in various parts of the besieged enclave, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The tragedy comes amid new evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military for parts of central Gaza—areas that had previously remained relatively untouched by ground operations and hosted several international aid organizations.
Northern Gaza: The Epicenter of Civilian Casualties
The most significant toll was reported near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, where 79 Palestinians were shot dead while gathering for food aid. The area, already facing severe devastation and famine, saw large crowds assembling when 25 UN World Food Programme trucks arrived to distribute essential supplies.
According to Zaher al-Wahedi, head of the records department at Gaza’s Health Ministry, the crowds had gathered out of desperation, highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis.
Eyewitness Accounts: Chaos and Desperation
Local resident Ehab al-Ze’i, who had come to collect flour, described the terrifying moment:
“Suddenly, tanks surrounded us and opened fire. We were trapped for nearly two hours amid gunfire and chaos. I’ll never go back again—dying of hunger is better.”
Another injured civilian, Nafiz al-Najjar, claimed that tanks and drones “fired indiscriminately at people” and said he witnessed his cousin being killed during the chaos.
Israeli Army’s Statement and Denial of Casualty Figures
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that thousands of people had gathered in northern Gaza, posing what they called a “security threat”, prompting soldiers to open fire. While the IDF confirmed that some casualties had occurred, it dismissed the Gaza Health Ministry’s death toll as “highly exaggerated.” The military also accused Hamas of deliberately inciting chaos to undermine humanitarian operations.
New Evacuation Orders in Central Gaza
Simultaneously, the Israeli army has expanded evacuation orders to include areas of central Gaza, where several international humanitarian agencies are based. Organizations have reportedly been instructed to vacate their offices immediately, signaling a possible intensification of military activity in zones previously spared from full-scale operations.
Additional Casualties Across Gaza Strip
-
In Shakush, Rafah, six more Palestinians were killed near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution center, an entity supported by the U.S. and Israel.
-
In Khan Younis, seven displaced people, including a 5-year-old child, were killed in tent settlements, as confirmed by the Kuwait Specialized Field Hospital.
In total, over 150 people have been injured, with many in critical condition, further straining Gaza’s overwhelmed healthcare system.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
This latest round of violence has significantly disrupted humanitarian operations in Gaza, where millions are dependent on aid for survival amid ongoing military conflict. Aid agencies and international watchdogs continue to call for safe humanitarian corridors and adherence to international law in the treatment of civilians and aid workers.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements from Gaza’s Health Ministry, the Israeli military, eyewitness accounts, and reputable media sources. Details may evolve as more verified information becomes available. Readers are advised to follow updates from international humanitarian agencies and official government channels for the latest developments.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment