Israeli fire again kills Gaza aid-seekers as US envoy meets with hostages' families
The violence came a day after US officials visited a GHF site and the US ambassador called the troubled system 'an incredible feat.'
Another 19 people were shot dead as they crowded near the Zikim crossing from Israel in the hope of obtaining aid, said Fares Awad, head of the Gaza health ministry's ambulance and emergency service.
Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over 2 million people. They now largely rely on aid after almost 22 months of war.
But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is coming in, with months of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution.
Experts this week said a 'worst-case scenario of famine' was occurring. On Saturday, Gaza's health ministry said seven Palestinians had died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, including a child.
Aid is 'far from sufficient,' Germany's government said via spokesman Stefan Kornelius. The UN has said 500 to 600 trucks of aid are needed daily.
Families of the 50 hostages still in Gaza fear they are going hungry too, and blame Hamas, after the militants released images of an emaciated hostage, Evyatar David.
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
Gaza's Hunger Pain: When The Body Starts To Eat Itself Due To Lack Of Food
Last Updated: Gaza's hunger crisis explained: What happens when humans get no food? Why is starvation or malnutrition worse for kids? 'We basically eat our body for nutrition,' says expert In what may be termed as the huge cost of the Israel-Gaza war are the deaths from starvation and malnutrition-related conditions. Gaza's 2.1 million residents have been subjected to relentless bombardment and mass displacement — many forced to flee multiple times, some even as many as 10 times since the conflict began. This instability, coupled with blocked aid, has created conditions of extreme hunger. How children became the casualty of Hamas-Israel war Hamas triggered the war when militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are thought to be alive. Israel's military offensive has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry is part of the Hamas government, but the U.N. and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties. Israel enforced a complete blockade on food and other supplies for 2½ months beginning in March. It said its objective was to increase pressure on Hamas to release dozens of hostages it has held since its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Why is the aid not really helping Gazans? Though the flow of aid resumed in May, it is drip fed and is a fraction of what aid organisations say is needed. Aid deliveries have often fallen far below the daily minimum needed to sustain the population—at times dipping to just 10-20 trucks a day, compared to the pre-war average of 500. The result is a humanitarian system that delivers just enough to avoid total collapse, but not enough to prevent widespread hunger, disease, and death. How do Gazans get aid? Why many die even while getting food? Why is there malnutrition despite aid? Most of the food supplies Israel has allowed into Gaza go to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American group backed by Israel. Aid seekers (on foot, by cart, or vehicle) travel up to a designated drop-off point, usually 1.5 km from the distribution site, where they must disembark and proceed on foot carrying supplies. From there, they walk to al Joura—a sandy pit where families wait, often for 12–24 hours, to receive a drone or military 'go" signal to move toward the aid point. Once the signal arrives (supposedly indicating safe passage), they proceed roughly another 1 km through lines of Israeli military checkpoints, sniper positions, drones, and barriers to reach the guarded gate of the distribution center. Witnesses have reported fire near or into al Joura—even before the signal is given—endangering crowds gathered for hours hoping for sustenance. After the signal, thousands of people who have waited for hours (often overnight) in al Joura or nearby dunes begin sprinting toward the distribution gate to ensure they get aid before the supplies run out, often causing stampede. To reach the gate, people must cross 500–1,000 meters of exposed terrain. This area is often surveilled by Israeli drones, surrounded by sniper or observation posts and lined with Israeli army checkpoints or trenches. Despite the 'go signal," witnesses say that gunfire frequently breaks out, either to control the crowd or for unclear reasons. Many are killed or injured in the chaos — shot by live rounds, rubber bullets, or drone-fired projectiles; crushed in crowd surges or while trying to flee; trampled if they fall. Israeli soldiers or GHF staff allow only a small number of people through the final gate. The rest are either turned back or forced to wait again until the next day. Gaza's aid-related deaths According to the United Nations and humanitarian sources, at least 875 people have been killed while trying to access food, water, or medical assistance since late May. The vast majority—over 670 deaths—occurred near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution centers, primarily in Rafah and Khan Younis. Gaza sees a rise in starvation, malnutrition-related deaths The United Nations World Food Programme has reported that more than one-third of the population has gone for days at a time without food. At least a quarter of Gaza's people are now experiencing what experts describe as 'famine-like conditions." The World Health Organisation has warned that the 'worst-case scenario of famine" is no longer a prediction — it has arrived. Take a look at the numbers: By July 22, 2025, Gaza's Health Ministry reported 101 deaths due to malnutrition and starvation since October 2023, including 80 children. As of July 30, 2025, Anadolu Agency reported 154 cumulative deaths from starvation—89 were children. Reuters on August 1, 2025 confirmed the figure—156 such deaths, including 90 children. UNICEF statement on July 24, 2025 highlighted that child malnutrition deaths rose from 52 to 80 in just a few months. On August 2, 2025, reports from WHO indicated 21 deaths of children under five due to malnutrition in 2025 up to mid July. Moreover, UNICEF estimates that 100,000 women and children are currently suffering from severe malnutrition, while other UN agencies warn that disease is spreading rapidly and health infrastructure has almost completely collapsed. Case study 1: From dawn to dusk, a Gaza family focuses only on finding food The AP reported one family's search for food from dawn to dusk. Every morning, Abeer and Fadi Sobh wake up in their tent in the Gaza Strip to the same question: How will they find food for themselves and their six young children? The couple has three options: Maybe a charity kitchen will be open, and they can get a pot of watery lentils. Or they can try jostling through crowds to get some flour from a passing aid truck. The last resort is begging. If all else fails, they simply don't eat. It happens more and more these days, as hunger saps their energy, strength and hope. The predicament of the Sobhs, who live in a seaside refugee camp west of Gaza City after being displaced multiple times, is the same for families throughout the war-ravaged territory. Aid worker in Gaza says she no longer recognises friends due to hunger Spokesperson for the UN Agency OCHA which coordinates humanitarian aid in Gaza, Olga Cherevko, told CNN's Ben Hunte that she has 'no words' when she sees her friends in Gaza as they are in such a desperate state. 'Situation gone from bad to worse': Paediatric oncologist on starvation in Gaza Dr. Zeena Salman, a pediatric oncologist and founder of the organization HEAL Palestine, told CNN's Wolf Blitzer what's happening in Gaza is 'the decimation of a healthcare system". What happens when human body is deprived of food? 'If you're not eating enough, we have evolved mechanisms for how to stay alive," Dr. Kevin Stephenson, a malnutrition expert at Washington University in St Louis, US, explained, while speaking to National Public Radio (NPR). 'We basically eat our own body for nutrition." This self-consumption unfolds in five overlapping metabolic stages, as the body adapts to survive without external energy sources. When the human body is deprived of food, it enters a progressive state of energy conservation and physical breakdown. Here's a timeline of what typically happens, stage by stage: 0-6 hours: Post-meal/ normal state The body uses glucose from the last meal for energy. Glycogen (stored glucose in liver and muscles) is still available. 60-72 hours: Glycogen depletion and onset of ketosis Glycogen stores run out in 24–48 hours. The body begins breaking down fat stores into ketones (alternative fuel for brain and muscles). Blood sugar levels start to drop slightly. The person may feel intense hunger, irritability, fatigue, headaches, lightheadedness. 3-7 days: Muscle breakdown begins The body begins breaking down muscle protein to get amino acids for energy and essential functions (especially to feed the brain and heart). Ketones become the primary fuel source. Muscle wasting, slowed heart rate, and lowered body temperature occur. Mental clarity may fluctuate: some report clarity, others confusion or disorientation. Immune system starts weakening. 7-21 days: Severe starvation Fat stores become critically low, especially in lean individuals. Severe muscle loss including heart, diaphragm, and other organs. Major symptoms include extreme weakness, loss of coordination, drop in blood pressure and heart rate, difficulty breathing, swelling (edema) from protein deficiency (kwashiorkor-like symptoms). Organ failure risk increases. Cognitive decline: confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness. 21-70 days: Fatal starvation. Death usually occurs from cardiac arrest, infection (due to immune collapse), organ failure, dehydration (if no fluids are consumed). Estimated death time: Without food, but with water: 45–70 days Without food and water: 3-10 days, depending on climate and health Can you recover from starvation? Yes, but refeeding must be gradual. Too rapid nutrition reintroduction can cause Refeeding Syndrome, a dangerous shift in fluids and electrolytes that can be fatal. Specific starvation conditions in children like in Gaza Children deteriorate much faster under starvation. Their bodies need a steady stream of nutrients for growth, but their energy reserves are small. UNICEF estimates that 12.2 million children worldwide faced severe malnutrition last year, with South Asia being the hardest-hit region. Gaza is now adding dramatically to those figures. Children, especially under 5, are more vulnerable: Marasmus: Severe calorie deficiency which leads to emaciation Kwashiorkor: Protein deficiency leads to edema, skin/hair changes, liver enlargement Symptoms include: Sunken eyes, protruding ribs Thin limbs but swollen belly Apathy or constant crying Skin peeling, hair discoloration Psychological effects Irritability, apathy, and depression Impaired concentration and memory top videos View all Hallucinations and emotional numbness in extreme stages With Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : gaza Gaza aid gaza crisis news18 specials view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 03, 2025, 12:46 IST News explainers Gaza's Hunger Pain: When The Body Starts To Eat Itself Due To Lack Of Food Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
10 killed after Israeli fire kills Gaza aid-seekers as US envoy meets with hostages' families
Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people, witnesses and health workers said Saturday. Experts this week said a 'worst-case scenario of famine' was occurring.(REUTERS) The violence came a day after US officials visited a GHF site, and the US ambassador called the troubled system 'an incredible feat.' Another 19 people were shot dead as they crowded near the Zikim crossing from Israel in the hope of obtaining aid, said Fares Awad, head of the Gaza health ministry's ambulance and emergency service. Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over 2 million people. They now largely rely on aid after almost 22 months of war. But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is coming in, with months of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Experts this week said a 'worst-case scenario of famine' was occurring. On Saturday, Gaza's health ministry said seven Palestinians had died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, including a child. Aid is 'far from sufficient,' Germany's government said via spokesman Stefan Kornelius. The U.N. has said 500 to 600 trucks of aid are needed daily. Families of the 50 hostages still in Gaza fear they are going hungry too, and blame Hamas, after the militants released images of an emaciated hostage, Evyatar David. 'The humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza, meant to alleviate suffering, must reach Evyatar, Guy and all the other hostages too,' David's brother Illay told a large rally in Tel Aviv. More deaths near U.S.-supported GHF sites Near the northernmost GHF distribution site near the Netzarim corridor, Yahia Youssef, who had come to seek aid, described a grimly familiar scene. After helping carry three people wounded by gunshots, he said he saw others on the ground, bleeding. 'It's the same daily episode,' Youssef said. Health workers said at least eight people were killed. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at a gathering approaching its forces. At least two people were killed in the Shakoush area hundreds of meters (yards) from where the GHF operates in the southernmost city of Rafah, witnesses said. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received two bodies and many injured. Witness Mohamed Abu Taha said Israeli troops opened fire toward the crowds. He saw three people — two men and a woman — shot as he fled. Israel's military said it was not aware of any fire by its forces in the area. The GHF said nothing happened near its sites. GHF says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to prevent deadly crowding. Israel 's military on Friday said it was working to make the routes under its control safer. The GHF — backed by millions of dollars in U.S. support — launched in May as Israel sought an alternative to the U.N.-run system, which had safely delivered aid for much of the war but was accused by Israel of allowing Hamas to siphon off supplies. Israel has not offered evidence for that claim, and the U.N. has denied it. From May 27 to July 31, 859 people were killed near GHF sites, according to a U.N. report Thursday. Hundreds more have been killed along the routes of U.N.-led food convoys. Hamas-led police once guarded those convoys, but Israeli fire targeted the officers. Israel and GHF have claimed the toll has been exaggerated. Airdrops by a Jordan-led coalition — which includes Israel, the UAE, Egypt, France, and Germany — are another approach, though experts say the strategy remains deeply inadequate and even dangerous for people on the ground. 'Let's go back to what works & let us do our job," Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, wrote on social media, calling for more and safer truck deliveries. Hostage families push Israel to cut a deal US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with hostages' families Saturday, a week after quitting ceasefire talks, blaming Hamas' intransigence. 'I didn't hear anything new from him. I heard that there was pressure from the Americans to end this operation, but we didn't hear anything practical,' said Michel Illouz, father of Israeli hostage Guy Illouz. He said he asked Witkoff to set a time frame but got 'no answers.' Protesters called on Israel's government to make a deal to end the war, imploring them to "stop this nightmare and bring them out of the tunnels.' Airstrikes continue Nasser Hospital said it received five bodies after two Israeli strikes on tents sheltering displaced people in Gaza's south. The health ministry's ambulance and emergency service said a strike hit a house between the towns of Zawaida and Deir al-Balah, killing two parents and their three children. Another strike hit a tent in Khan Younis, killing a mother and her daughter. Israel's top general Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that 'combat will continue without rest' if hostages aren't freed. Coming home to ruins Most Palestinians are crowded into ever-shrinking areas considered safe. 'I don't know what to do. Destruction, destruction," said Mohamed Qeiqa, who returned home to Gaza City and stood amid the neighbourhood's collapsed concrete slabs. 'Where will people settle?' The war began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,400 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians but says women and children make up over half the dead. The ministry operates under the Hamas government. The U.N. and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties. The ministry says 93 children have died from malnutrition-related causes in Gaza since the war began. It said 76 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since late June, when it started counting adult deaths.
India Today
7 hours ago
- India Today
At least 10 killed as Israeli forces open fire near Gaza aid sites: Report
Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people, witnesses and health workers said Saturday. The violence came a day after US officials visited a GHF site and the US ambassador called the troubled system 'an incredible feat.'Another 19 people were shot dead as they crowded near the Zikim crossing from Israel in the hope of obtaining aid, said Fares Awad, head of the Gaza health ministry's ambulance and emergency a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over 2 million people. They now largely rely on aid after almost 22 months of war. But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is coming in, with months of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for this week said a 'worst-case scenario of famine' was occurring. On Saturday, Gaza's health ministry said seven Palestinians had died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, including a the northernmost GHF distribution site near the Netzarim corridor, Yahia Youssef, who had come to seek aid, described a grimly familiar scene. After helping carry three people wounded by gunshots, he said he saw others on the ground, bleeding.'It's the same daily episode,' Youssef said. Health workers said at least eight people were killed. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at a gathering approaching its least two people were killed in the Shakoush area hundreds of meters (yards) from where the GHF operates in the southernmost city of Rafah, witnesses said. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received two bodies and many Mohamed Abu Taha said Israeli troops opened fire toward the crowds. He saw three people — two men and a woman — shot as he military said it was not aware of any fire by its forces in the area. The GHF said nothing happened near its says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to prevent deadly crowding. Israel 's military on Friday said it was working to make the routes under its control GHF — backed by millions of dollars in US support — launched in May as Israel sought an alternative to the U.N.-run system, which had safely delivered aid for much of the war but was accused by Israel of allowing Hamas to siphon off supplies. Israel has not offered evidence for that claim and the UN has denied May 27 to July 31, 859 people were killed near GHF sites, according to a UN report Thursday. Hundreds more have been killed along the routes of UN-led food convoys. Hamas-led police once guarded those convoys, but Israeli fire targeted the and GHF have claimed the toll has been by a Jordan-led coalition — which is made up of Israel, the UAE, Egypt, France, and Germany — are another approach, though experts say the strategy remains deeply inadequate and even dangerous for people on the ground.'Let's go back to what works & let us do our job,' Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, wrote on social media, calling for more and safer truck FAMILIES PUSH ISRAEL TO CUT DEALUS President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with hostages' families Saturday, a week after quitting ceasefire talks, blaming Hamas' intransigence.'I didn't hear anything new from him. I heard that there was pressure from the Americans to end this operation, but we didn't hear anything practical,' said Michel Illouz, father of Israeli hostage Guy Illouz. He said he asked Witkoff to set a time frame but got 'no answers.'advertisementProtesters called on Israel's government to make a deal to end the war, imploring them to 'stop this nightmare and bring them out of the tunnels.'Most Palestinians are crowded into ever-shrinking areas considered safe.'I don't know what to do. Destruction, destruction,' said Mohamed Qeiqa, who returned home to Gaza City and stood amid the neighborhood's collapsed concrete slabs. 'Where will people settle?'The war began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,400 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians but says women and children make up over half the dead. The ministry operates under the Hamas government. The U.N. and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on ministry says 93 children have died from malnutrition-related causes in Gaza since the war began. It said 76 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since late June, when it started counting adult deaths.- EndsTrending Reel
