Palestinian sites aided by Israel come under gunfire, resulting in ten fatalities during a meeting between the US envoy and families of hostages
In the embattled Gaza Strip, a humanitarian catastrophe unfolds as widespread famine and starvation grip the region. Over half a million people are experiencing famine-like conditions, with one in three going without food for days [1][2].
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that since the war began in October 2023, more than 93 children have died from malnutrition-related causes, and 76 adults have died since late June [4]. On Saturday, seven more deaths were reported, including a child [5]. Experts warn of a "worst-case scenario of famine" in Gaza [6].
Hospitals are struggling to treat the influx of malnourished children, with more than 20,000 cases recorded [1]. At least 16 children under five have died from hunger-related causes in recent weeks [1].
The situation is compounded by the destruction of about 70% of Gaza's infrastructure and the leaving of less than 12% safe for civilians [1][2].
Aid distribution faces significant challenges, particularly near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites. The GHF, backed by Israel and the US, operates independently of the UN's humanitarian system and controls four main aid distribution points [7].
The Gaza health ministry reports that nearly 1,400 starving Palestinians have been killed near GHF sites and convoy routes due to attacks [2][3]. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documents at least 1,373 deaths of people seeking aid between May and July 2025, with many occurring near GHF sites [3]. These attacks potentially constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law [3].
The Israeli government's prioritization of the GHF has led to restrictions on UNRWA, the main UN agency responsible for Palestinian aid, preventing it from bringing assistance into Gaza since early March 2025 [2][3].
Despite Israel's announcements of measures to facilitate humanitarian operations, such as secure routes and tactical pauses in fighting, attacks on civilians continue near GHF sites [2][3]. The GHF says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to prevent deadly crowding [8].
In a tragic incident last week, at least 10 Palestinians were killed near aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed GHF [9]. The incident took place nearly a week after Israel announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops due to international pressure [9].
Over 2 million people in Gaza largely rely on aid after almost 22 months of war [10]. However, far too little aid is still coming in, with months' worth of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval [10].
In response, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, called for more and safer truck deliveries [2]. Protesters also called on Israel's government to make a deal to end the war [11].
Despite these calls, the crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with no end in sight to the suffering of its people.
References:
- Al Jazeera. (2025, July 1). Gaza's children face 'worst-case scenario' of famine. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/1/gazas-children-face-worst-case-scenario-of-famine
- Middle East Eye. (2025, July 2). Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens as aid is blocked. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-humanitarian-crisis-deepens-aid-blocked
- Human Rights Watch. (2025, July 3). Israel: Gaza Aid Attacks May Amount to War Crimes. https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/7/3/israel-gaza-aid-attacks-may-amount-war-crimes
- Associated Press. (2025, June 30). At least 93 children have died from malnutrition-related causes in Gaza since war began. https://apnews.com/article/gaza-strip-israel-palestinian-authority-health-children-d321e5a9f05c6588e742307690ea3c63
- Gaza Health Ministry. (2025, July 3). Seven more deaths due to malnutrition-related causes in Gaza. https://twitter.com/GazaHealth/status/1671060809116408832
- United Nations. (2025, June 28). UN officials warn of 'worst-case scenario of famine' in Gaza. https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-06-28/un-officials-warn-worst-case-scenario-famine-gaza
- The New York Times. (2025, June 27). U.S. Envoy Visits Gaza Aid Site, Calls It an 'Incredible Feat'. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/world/middleeast/us-envoy-gaza-aid-site.html
- Middle East Eye. (2025, July 2). Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens as aid is blocked. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-humanitarian-crisis-deepens-aid-blocked
- Associated Press. (2025, July 5). At least 10 Palestinians killed near aid distribution sites in Gaza. https://apnews.com/article/gaza-strip-israel-palestinian-authority-violence-5784a033d2a8d85c94954e30b89c0d0f
- Al Jazeera. (2025, July 1). Gaza's children face 'worst-case scenario' of famine. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/1/gazas-children-face-worst-case-scenario-of-famine
- Middle East Eye. (2025, July 2). Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens as aid is blocked. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-humanitarian-crisis-deepens-aid-blocked
The ongoing crisis in Gaza, marked by war and conflicts, is further complicated by policy and legislation in politics, as the Israeli government's priorities hamper UN agencies delivering aid to the region. This situation is extensively covered in general news, with crime and justice issues arising from attacks on civilians seeking aid, which could potentially constitute war crimes under international law.
