A humanitarian leader has accused Israel of creating turmoil and causing fatalities in the Gaza Strip by obstructing aid while targeting Palestinians in dire need of food. Caroline Willemen, who coordinates projects in Gaza for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), reported that food supplies remain extremely limited despite an uptick in aid arriving recently. “There’s still no indication that a steady stream of aid will reach us,” said Willemen, emphasizing the daily risks people take to secure food. Gaza’s Health Ministry announced on Friday that three more individuals, including two children, succumbed to malnutrition within the last day. This brings the total number of deaths related to starvation to 162, with 92 children, since the conflict began in October 2023.
Israeli airstrikes resulted in over 80 Palestinian casualties, including 49 deaths and more than 270 injuries among those seeking aid. Global criticism of Israel’s approach has intensified, with a worldwide hunger monitoring organization warning of the onset of famine. Although Israel has initiated some aid airdrops recently, UN leaders describe these efforts as costly and hazardous, pressing for unrestricted humanitarian access. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, highlighted the inefficiency of airdrops, calling for open road crossings instead.
Olga Cherevko from the UN’s humanitarian office, speaking from central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, noted that the slight increase in aid is insufficient to meet overwhelming needs on the ground. Palestinians continue to face life-threatening conditions while seeking assistance at prominent sites supported by the US and Israel-backed GHF. Ibrahim Mekki, residing in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, recounted long waits and risks of being fired upon by Israeli troops for minimal food supplies. The UN human rights office reports that since May, when GHF began operations, at least 1,373 aid seekers have perished in Gaza, largely due to Israeli military actions.
MSF’s Willemen recalled incidents where Israeli forces fired on aid seekers near the Zikim crossing, resulting in injuries and chaotic panic. Despite these challenges, Israel and the US maintain their support for GHF’s operations, with US officials recently visiting to evaluate conditions and plan aid strategies. Last month, the US government announced a $30 million allocation to back GHF, boosting military and diplomatic support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict.
