• Over 140 Palestinians killed in 24 hours, including many seeking aid.
• Israeli forces frequently fire on crowds near aid distribution sites.
• UN agencies criticize the handling of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
• Escalating violence amid widespread food shortages and humanitarian crises.
• Gaza's health ministry reports significant casualties since aid distribution resumed.

Israeli forces have killed at least 140 Palestinians in the last 24 hours amid violent clashes with aid seekers, according to Gaza's health ministry. This incident marks another tragic escalation in a series of killings that have plagued Gaza as desperate civilians attempt to receive food aid during an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Among those killed, 51 died while waiting for aid near Khan Younis, with additional casualties reported in various locations across the Strip, including at UN aid delivery points, according to HuffPost, BBC, and AA.

During these chaotic scenes, the World Food Programme warned that the desperate need for food is driving thousands of civilians to gather at known aid transport routes, resulting in severe casualties from Israeli fire. Eyewitness accounts detail horrific situations where civilians, including women and children, have been targeted as they sought aid. Reports indicate that Israeli tanks and drones have opened fire on these crowds while the Israeli military stated it was responding to perceived threats from the gathered civilians, according to multiple sources including India Times, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.

In response to increasing violence, UN officials have condemned the actions of the Israeli military and the operational framework for aid distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Critics argue that this system compromises humanitarian principles, leading to rising fatalities among aid seekers. Philippe Lazzarini from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees described the situation as “outrageous,” asserting that the current methods of aid distribution effectively endanger lives, aligning with sources from Dawn, HuffPost, and Le Monde.

Since May, when Israel eased its blockade, the situation has drastically worsened with the UN stating that nearly 400 people have died while trying to obtain aid. Gaza's health ministry reported that nearly 55,600 Palestinians have died since the onset of conflict in October 2023, reflecting the dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing crisis and military operations continue to spark international outcry and calls for accountability, as highlighted by reports from Reuters and Dawn.