Deir al-Balah, July 20: At least 85 Palestinians were killed Sunday while seeking food aid across Gaza, marking the deadliest day for aid-seekers since the war began over 21 months ago, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Most casualties occurred in northern Gaza near the Zikim crossing, where 79 people were killed when crowds gathering around an aid convoy came under gunfire. A UN official said Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd, while the Israeli military claimed it responded to a threat from thousands gathering and said Hamas militants created chaos. Over 150 were wounded, with some in critical condition.
Six more people were killed in Rafah, near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation site, and seven others, including a five-year-old, died in Khan Younis while sheltering in tents. The deaths occurred as Israel issued new evacuation orders across central Gaza, cutting off access between Deir al-Balah, Rafah, and Khan Younis. These areas have rarely seen ground operations and host many aid groups, several of which were forced to evacuate or shut down clinics.
The Medical Aid for Palestinians group said nine clinics, including theirs, were closed. UN officials are seeking clarity on whether UN facilities in Deir al-Balah are included in the evacuation zone, which stretches to the Mediterranean coast and severely hampers humanitarian access. Israel urged civilians to move to the Muwasi area, a tent camp with limited infrastructure designated as a humanitarian zone.
Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas continue ceasefire talks in Qatar with no breakthrough. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists expanding military operations will pressure Hamas. Israel now claims control of over 65% of Gaza.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with over 2 million people facing severe shortages. Hospitals raised alarms Sunday as malnourishment and lack of medicine intensify. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 58,800, with more than half reported as women and children. The Hostages Family Forum in Israel condemned the latest evacuations, demanding a clear strategy and a deal to bring hostages home. Public discontent is growing, with tens of thousands protesting in Tel Aviv for an end to the war.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. (AP)
