73 Killed in Gaza Aid Convoy Attack as Civilians Face Starvation
73 Killed in Gaza Aid Convoy Attack as Civilians Face Starvation
At least 73 people were killed and approximately 150 injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza on Sunday, July 20, 2025, while attempting to access vital aid, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The incident, which occurred primarily in northern Gaza and Khan Younis, marks one of the highest reported death tolls in recent cases involving civilians seeking humanitarian assistance.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops fired warning shots to address an immediate threat posed by a gathering of thousands of Gazans. The IDF acknowledged reports of casualties and confirmed an ongoing examination of the incident.
The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that a 25-truck food convoy encountered large crowds of civilians near the Zikim border. The WFP reported that as the convoy approached, the crowd came under fire from Israeli tanks, snipers, and other sources, emphasizing the “increasingly dangerous conditions” for humanitarian operations in Gaza. The WFP reiterated that shooting near humanitarian missions must cease immediately.
Concurrently, the Israeli military issued warnings for residents to evacuate parts of northern Gaza, including Beit Lahia, Jabalya, and Beit Hanoun, designating them as “active combat zones.” These orders have reportedly led to the closure of several humanitarian and healthcare sites, further crippling Gaza’s already devastated healthcare system.
Medical officials, including Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya of Al-Shifa Hospital, described a catastrophic situation, with overwhelming numbers of injured and starving civilians. The Palestinian Red Crescent also reported receiving 120 injured and two deceased at its Al-Saraya Field Hospital, noting the urgent need for more beds due to the influx of casualties.
Residents in central Gaza recounted being forced to evacuate without clear destinations, highlighting severe shortages of food and basic necessities. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with reports indicating nearly 1,000 people have been killed trying to obtain food near aid distribution sites since late May. This latest incident underscores the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
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