An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed at least six Palestinians who were attempting to protect humanitarian aid trucks from looting, according to Hamas officials. The attack occurred on Friday as tensions escalate over the distribution of critically needed supplies in the besieged territory. While Israel maintains it is allowing aid into Gaza, humanitarian organizations report severe obstacles in delivering food to starving civilians, with convoys frequently intercepted or attacked.
Hamas stated that the victims were members of an aid convoy safeguarding deliveries when they were struck by Israeli forces. Although aid shipments have resumed after an 11-week blockade, distribution remains chaotic and ineffective, leaving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without access to basic necessities. The Israeli military confirmed that 107 trucks carrying flour, medicine, and other essential supplies entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Thursday. However, much of the aid has failed to reach refugee camps and displaced families due to security risks and logistical challenges.
A coalition of Palestinian aid groups reported that 119 trucks had entered Gaza since Monday, but many were looted near Khan Younis by armed groups. The coalition condemned both the theft of supplies meant for malnourished children and the Israeli airstrikes targeting aid workers. Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that 15 trucks transporting flour were recently plundered, exacerbating fears of widespread famine. The WFP emphasized that 2.1 million Gazans face catastrophic hunger, with immediate intervention needed to prevent mass starvation.
Israel has defended its actions, claiming it permits hundreds of aid trucks to enter Gaza while accusing Hamas of diverting supplies. However, international observers argue that the current volume of aid falls far short of what is required. Many trucks remain stranded at border crossings, unable to reach their intended destinations due to ongoing military operations and security breakdowns. A German government spokesperson criticized the delays, stating that assistance is arriving “too late, too little, and too slowly” to address the escalating crisis.
The conflict has further intensified following Israel’s imposition of a full blockade in March, which it justified by alleging Hamas was stealing humanitarian aid. This move shattered a fragile ceasefire and stalled negotiations for a new agreement. Hamas denies the accusations, insisting its fighters have died defending aid convoys from looters. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaign, with overnight airstrikes hitting 75 targets, including weapons depots and rocket launchers. Palestinian health authorities report at least 50 deaths from recent attacks, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to over 53,000 since the war began.
As Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, malnutrition spreads rapidly among its population. Aid agencies stress that without urgent, unimpeded access to food and medical supplies, the humanitarian disaster will worsen. The international community faces mounting pressure to ensure aid reaches civilians effectively, but with violence persisting and distrust between warring parties deepening, a resolution remains elusive. The killing of aid workers highlights the perilous conditions facing both humanitarian efforts and Gaza’s desperate population as the conflict drags on.
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