Israeli attacks across Gaza killed at least 57 people on Saturday, with 35 of them starving Palestinians targeted near aid distribution points, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Sources from local hospitals reported that the majority of the deceased were desperately seeking food at sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with Israeli forces opening fire on crowds, killing eight at a GHF site near the Netzarim Corridor and two in Rafah’s Shakoush area.
Yahia Youssef, an aid seeker, recounted, “It’s the same daily episode,” after witnessing people bleeding on the ground after gunfire.
International law professor Ralph Wilde condemned Israel’s actions, stating, “It is not only a war crime, it is also a crime against humanity and it is part of genocide.”
He accused Israel of intentionally using starvation as a method of warfare, violating both positive and negative human rights obligations by blocking aid and failing to ensure food access.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini echoed this, asserting that Israel’s deliberate sidelining of UN aid systems through the GHF has fueled a “manmade famine,” with nearly 1,400 starving Palestinians killed while seeking aid.
No time to waste anymore, a political decision must be made to unconditionally open the crossings.UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.
Germany, despite being an ally, called the aid flow into Gaza “very insufficient,” urging Israel to fulfill its obligation to allow full aid delivery.
Gaza’s few remaining hospitals, like al-Shifa and Nasser, are overwhelmed, resorting to beds in corridors due to the influx of wounded from Israeli attacks.
The Health Ministry reported that medical staff are starving and exhausted, with director Mohammed Abu Salmiya stating, “Israel seeks to destroy the health system in Gaza through siege and bombing.”
Abeer Sobh, a displaced mother, described her struggle to find food, often returning empty-handed from dangerous aid sites, saying, “If the war goes on, I am thinking of taking my life.”
The tragic death of 17-year-old Atef Abu Khater from malnutrition underscores the crisis, with footage showing his emaciated body, reduced from 70kg to 25kg.