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The Hindu
13 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Over 770 Palestinians killed at the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution sites
At least 1,874 Palestinians have died in aid-related violence since October 2023. Of these, approximately 1,129 — about 60% — were killed in the past two months alone, coinciding with GHF's operations in the region. Most of those killed (at least 1,597) were civilians shot by the Israeli Defense Forces while seeking aid in or around distribution sites, according to data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), an international non-profit that tracks global violence. The 'Other/Contested Claims' section in the graphic above also includes civilian deaths. However, the exact circumstances of these killings remain disputed, as the claims have been denied or refuted by the alleged perpetrators. Some of these incidents involved Israeli-backed groups rather than the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) directly, according to data compiled from news reports. Also Read: Stop the slaughter: On Trump, Israel and the Gaza war Since May 26, aid-related killings have occurred almost daily. The violence peaked in the third week of June, with June 17 recording the highest single-day toll — 97 people. One in four Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since May 26 Between May 26 and July 18, the ACLED data shows that 4,157 Palestinians were killed in Gaza. Of these, approximately 1,005 — about 25% — were civilians shot by the IDF while seeking aid or near aid distribution centers. However, ACLED also records numerous incidents where civilians came under direct IDF fire, but the number of casualties could not be confirmed. In comparison, data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports that 4,489 Palestinians were killed between May 28 and July 16 alone, bringing the total number of Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023, to 58,573. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on June 24 condemned the inhumane conditions faced by Palestinians and held both the GHF and Israel responsible. 'We are seeing scenes of chaos around the food distribution points of the 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation' and the few UN humanitarian convoys,' says Mr. Al-Kheetan. 'Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism is in contradiction with international standards on aid distribution', he adds. Aid distribution: Over 750 of 1,129 killed were in and around GHF aid centres Currently, aid is distributed across Gaza through two distinct channels: one facilitated by United Nations agencies, international aid organizations, and local authorities using pre-existing modes of distribution; the other through distribution sites set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Regarding the first channel — comprising the UN and various international aid agencies — Israeli authorities have imposed severe restrictions, rejecting or obstructing the majority of aid delivery requests. Between March 18 and July 15, of the 1,124 humanitarian missions or requests submitted, 633 (56.4%) were either denied (543) or withdrawn (90). Only about one-third (33%) of the missions were successfully carried out without interference from Israeli authorities. In a briefing, the World Food Programme's (WFP) Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau, stated that WFP teams are often stuck spending between 15 to 20 hours straight at checkpoints, fuel supplies and spare parts for vehicles are insufficient, and while there is enough food at the borders to feed the entire population for about two months, incoming supplies are not 'enough to turn the tide of hunger.' The GHF began its aid distribution on May 26, 2025, operating across four sites in Gaza. Three of these sites were in Israeli-militarised zones in the southern region of the strip - on the northern boundary of the 'Morag corridor', and one site is near Wadi Gaza, along the Salah al-Din highway, as shown in the map below. The area surrounding the aid distribution site near Wadi Gaza also soon came under the control of Israeli forces. As of July 23, UNOCHA reported that approximately 87.8% of the Gaza Strip is within the Israeli-militarised zone, under displacement (or evacuation) orders by the IDF, or where these overlap, as shown in the map below. As of July 16, one of the sites (also called 'SDS1', shown above) has been closed by the GHF. At least 771 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed in and around GHF's aid distribution centers between May 26 and July 18. Of these, 708 were reportedly killed by the Israeli Defense Forces. The number of people killed in and around GHF centers on a daily basis is shown below in red and gray. As shown below, 68% of those killed while seeking aid died in or around GHF distribution centres. There were at least 13 additional incidents of the IDF opening fire on civilians and injuring several while they were seeking aid or being in the vicinity of aid distribution centers. In four of these cases, casualty figures remain unknown. Israel-backed armed groups and the anatomy of contested claims The data presented is collated by checking local and international news reports. When it comes to the killings over aid, the 'Others/contested claims' silo in the graphics above is essentially a mixture of the following scenarios: Armed Palestinian gang members or militia looting aid trucks and opening fire on civilians. Hamas or Hamas-affiliated units or forces (like the Sahm Unit) executing or engaging in a clash with armed gangs/clans/militias over looting of aid and theft. In some of these incidents the latter were accused of collaborating with Israel. The IDF striking civilians and either refuting the claim or claiming that the latter were associated with Hamas. Over the course of 21 months, the IDF has claimed to have killed Hamas members on numerous occasions (whether aid-related or not), and there have been several news reports stating that civilians were also brutally targeted in such instances. Apart from what is shown in the graphic above, there were incidents where the IDF claims to have fired 'warning shots,' but people were killed. 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza face acute food insecurity On July 23, 2025, a day after the head of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City announced that 21 children had died across the Gaza Strip due to malnutrition and starvation, 111 aid organisations and human rights groups warned that mass starvation is spreading in Gaza. Repeated forced displacements through evacuation orders and destruction of local food production mechanisms has crippled the population and economy. After more than 21 months of relentless bloodshed that has claimed the lives of over 59,000 Palestinians, the people of Gaza are grappling with escalating shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies, and other basic necessities. A report released by UNOCHA on Wednesday (July 23, 2025), states that with the 2.1-million-strong population of Palestinians in Gaza facing a high level of acute food insecurity, one million (10 lakh) or half of them are facing 'emergency levels of food insecurity. And over 470,000 (4.7 lakh) people are facing 'catastrophic' levels of food insecurity. But in Gaza, Palestinians are not safe even while seeking the aid essential for their survival.
India.com
13 minutes ago
- India.com
This prominent European country bans entry of 2 hardline Israeli ministers over Gaza starvation, country is…, ministers are…
Home News This prominent European country bans entry of 2 hardline Israeli ministers over Gaza starvation, country is…, ministers are… This prominent European country bans entry of 2 hardline Israeli ministers over Gaza starvation, country is…, ministers are… So far, 7 countries have imposed sanctions on these two ministers. (Image: Palestinian boy Mosab al-Debs, 14, who is malnourished according to medics, lies on a bed at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]) New Delhi: The Netherlands has banned Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country. They are accused of promoting violence in Gaza. Before the Netherlands, 6 countries have banned these two leaders from entering their country. What did The Netherlands say? Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on Monday, 28 July that this decision has been taken because these ministers have repeatedly promoted violence against Palestinians, advocated the expansion of illegal Jewish settlements and talked about ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Veldkamp also said that the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands will be summoned and appealed to ask the Netanyahu government to change its attitude. Describing the current situation as bad, he said that the Netherlands is also ready to increase pressure on Hamas for a ceasefire. What is the response of Ben Gvir? Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed displeasure over this decision of the Netherlands. He said on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, that even if he is barred from entering the whole of Europe, he will continue to work for Israel. He demanded to eliminate Hamas and support Israeli soldiers. He accused Europe that the victims are always blamed there. Ben-Gvir said that Europe is a place where terrorism is tolerated and terrorists are welcomed. Terrorists are roaming freely there and Jews are being boycotted. Ben-Gvir has previously been convicted of inciting racism in Israel and supporting a terrorist organization. However, now he is Israel's National Security Minister and Smotrich is the Finance Minister. How many countries have banned Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir? It is worth noting that the Netherlands is not the only country to ban the entry of Israeli ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich. Earlier on June 9, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Britain also banned them together. However, the US expressed displeasure over this and called it unnecessary. These five countries had said in a joint statement that these ministers have incited violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Therefore, their property will be confiscated and they will be banned from traveling to these countries. After this, on July 17, Slovenia banned both these ministers. That is, so far 7 countries have imposed sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest World News on
Indian Express
43 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Israel says it's open to dialogue, claims there are ‘lies' about starvation in Gaza; UN calls for immediate ceasefire
Amid the deepening conflict between Israel and Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar Tuesday said that military pressure in Gaza was effective but it was not the only option, adding that 'Israel is ready to also use diplomacy', news agency Reuters reported. 'No external force will cause Israel to sacrifice its security, but it is always open to constructive dialogue,' the minister said, adding that military pressure, which has worked twice in the past to get Hamas to make hostage deals, is effective but isn't the only option, Reuters quoted. Criticising the Palestinian military group, which launched its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the minister said, 'Hamas staying in power would be a tragedy for Israelis and Palestinians. We will not allow jihadist terror state in heart of our ancient homeland,' the minister also said, adding that the international pressure on Israel for ceasefire had caused Hamas to 'harden its position, sabotaging chances for a ceasefire and hostage deal'. Saar, once again, accused Hamas of stealing aid, saying the Palestinian group not only steals aid, but they are 'profiting from it and using funds as financial resource during the war'. This comes even as USAID officials failed to find any evidence that Hamas had engaged in widespread diversion of assistance, according to a presentation reviewed by ABC News. The country acknowledged the 'tough' situation in Gaza, amid the deepening hunger crisis, and said that it is ready to work with anyone who wants to participate in airdrops in Gaza. 'More than 5,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza in the last two months, it claimed, while refuting claims related to starvation as 'lies,' Reuters quoted. Israel-Palestine conflict at 'breaking point': UN A day earlier, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community to take 'urgent, concrete, irreversible steps' towards a two-state solution, warning that the conflict between Israel and Gaza is 'at a breaking point'. Speaking at a UN conference on peaceful settlement, Guterres asserted that 'statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a reward', and that its denial would be 'a gift to extremists everywhere'. The high-level international conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution resumed its meeting on Monday, co-chaired by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of France and Saudi Arabia. The UN chief, calling for a ceasefire, said, 'Words, speeches, declarations may not have much meaning to those on the ground as 'destruction and annexation bulldoze ahead', stressing that 'the obligation is on all of us to prove that this effort is something different'. 'The central question for Middle East peace is the implementation of the two-state solution, where two independent, sovereign, democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and security,' Guterres stated at the opening of the international conference. 'Death is not peace, death is not justice. Death is not in accordance with international law, and death is not acceptable. Death will only increase the growing isolation of Israel on the global stage,' he said expressing his concern at the increasing death toll in Gaza. 'Let's be clear: statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward, and the denial of statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere,' he highlighted in his speech. 'Time is running out. With every passing day, trust is slipping, institutions are weakened, and hopes are dashed.' Guterres condemned the deepening crisis in Gaza, including mass casualties, starvation, and destruction of infrastructure, according to UN News, saying it 'has descended into a cascade of catastrophes'. He also condemned the October 7 attacks led by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel. 'I welcome recent steps to reduce restrictions to lifesaving humanitarian aid – but this is far from the solution to end this nightmare. We need an immediate, permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, full and unfettered humanitarian access. These are not preconditions for peace. They are the foundation of it,' he asserted. He urged the international community to ensure the conference becomes a turning point for irreversible progress toward a two-State solution, as per UN News. 'Let us reject the false choice between Palestinian statehood and Israeli security — there is no security in occupation,' he stated. Rather, Israel's legitimate security concerns must be addressed, he said — 'and so must the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people'. 'We cannot wait for perfect conditions — we must create them,' he added. France to recognise Palestinian state in September The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Noël Barrot, addressing the world leaders at the UN conference, said: 'France is ready to fully recognise the State of Palestine, and will do so in the month of September.' France also rejected the idea that the 'war camp is winning over the peace camp', and rejected Hamas' contestation of Israel's right to exist, adding: 'It is also a rejection of allowing the extremists in Israel to say that the Palestinians have no right to exist.' This recognition, he pointed, is an appeal to all people and countries of the world to 'bring your contributions to this edifice of peace'. France's declaration comes just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced his decision to recognise the Palestinian state, which drew criticism from both the US and Israel. 'Ready to invite temporary Arab and international support force': Palestinian PM Addressing the world leaders, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, Mohammed Mustafa, urged the conference to be 'a turning point in which positions and declarations are translated into immediate and unprecedented practical steps to stop the genocide and end the Israeli occupation'. 'The world must act to stop the aggression, starvation and displacement, and send a clear message: Enough disregard for the life and dignity of Palestinians — Palestinians are human beings,' he said. 'We have been waiting for long years for a genuine international intervention that would move us towards a peaceful, just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question,' he said, stressing that, 'In this period of waiting, we have lost what we have lost, and we have suffered immensely.' He added the State of Palestine is ready to invite a 'temporary Arab and international support force', through a Security Council resolution, to protect the Palestinian people, ensure a ceasefire and support Palestinian Government and security services — 'and not as a substitute for it'. Canada pledges additional $10 million for Palestinian Authority The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, Anita Anand, said that her country is pledging an additional $10 million in 2025 to accelerate reform and capacity-building for the Palestinian Authority. Addressing the leaders, she also urged support for a principled humanitarian response through 'organisations with a proven capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance at scale'. Canada is the third-largest bilateral donor in response to the crisis, and she announced another $30 million 'in new money this year for civilians in Gaza', according to the UN News. 'This will allow more aid to be pre-positioned in Jordan and the region and ready to be delivered at scale,' she said, adding: 'The Government of Canada will be present with humanitarian aid, and we will play a leading role in building bridges to more aid for Gaza with our international partners.' Trump-Starmer meet United States President Donald Trump spoke to United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting in Scotland, and discussed the 'appalling scenes' in Gaza, agreeing upon the need for 'urgent action' to end the humanitarian disaster, Al Jazeera reported. When asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it was a 'bold-faced lie' to say Israel was fuelling hunger in Gaza, the US president replied: 'I don't know… those children look very hungry… that's real starvation stuff,' BBC reported. Trump's comments come after UN's humanitarian chief said 'vast amounts' of food were needed to stave off starvation. Netanyahu on Sunday had dismissed claims that Israel was deliberately starving civilians in Gaza, which would amount to a war crime, BBC report noted. 'What a bold-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza.' he said. 'We enable humanitarian aid throughout the duration of the war to enter Gaza. Otherwise, there would be no Gazans. And what has interdicted the supply of humanitarian aid is one force, Hamas. Again, the reversal of truth,' he added. Rising death toll in Gaza It's been 21 months since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, and the situation is worsening each passing day. The territory's Hamas-run health ministry said another 14 people died as a result of malnutrition over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of malnutrition-related deaths since the war began on October 7, 2023 to 147, including 88 children. On Monday, local hospital sources said Israeli attacks across Gaza had killed more than 30 people, including aid seekers, BBC reported. Hamas began its attack on Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. At least 59,821 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the health ministry.
