At least 73 Palestinians were killed today while attempting to reach aid distribution centers across Gaza, according to the Palestinian territory’s Ministry of Health.
High Casualties in Northern Gaza
The highest number of casualties was reported in northern Gaza, where at least 67 Palestinians were killed as they tried to reach an aid center via the Zikim crossing with Israel, stated the Gaza Ministry of Health and local hospitals. More than 150 people were injured, with some in critical condition, according to hospital reports.
It remains unclear whether the victims were killed by the Israeli army or armed groups. However, some witnesses claimed the Israeli military fired directly at the crowd. The killings in northern Gaza did not occur near aid distribution centers managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), which is supported by Israel and the United States. Witnesses and aid workers have previously stated that hundreds of people have been killed by Israel while attempting to reach GHF centers.
The Israeli army has not yet commented on Sunday’s deaths.
New Evacuation Orders Amid Ceasefire Talks
The announcement of Palestinian deaths comes as Israel issued a new evacuation order for residents from central Gaza and other areas, stating its intent to conduct operations against Hamas—the Palestinian group designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
This expansion of the offensive into areas where Israel had not previously operated occurs while Israel and Hamas are holding indirect talks for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages.
During the October 7, 2023 attack—which triggered the current war—Hamas killed nearly 1,200 people and abducted 251 others. Of those, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 who the Israeli army says have died.
Meanwhile, more than 58,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza as a result of the Israeli offensive, according to the Ministry of Health in the Palestinian enclave.
