At Least 91 Killed Seeking Aid in Gaza as U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Visits Israel

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Left-Leaning

Why: Emphasis on civilian suffering, criticism of Israeli military actions, and humanitarian framing with limited Israeli military perspective.

What’s Happening

At least 91 Palestinians were killed and more than 600 wounded in the past 24 hours while attempting to access humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to health officials and humanitarian agencies. The deaths come amid a worsening famine and growing international scrutiny over Israel’s role in restricting aid.

The violence occurred near aid distribution points, particularly at the Zikim crossing and in the central and southern Gaza Strip, as thousands of people gathered in desperation for food and supplies.

Deadly Incidents at Aid Crossings

On Wednesday night, Israeli forces opened fire at large crowds near the Zikim crossing north of Gaza, where people were waiting for aid trucks. The Al-Saraya field hospital reported receiving over 100 dead and injured.
On Thursday morning, 19 more civilians were killed in separate incidents while trying to access aid in central Gaza and Rafah in the south.
In total, more than 1,000 people have been shot—mostly by Israeli forces—while approaching aid sites operated by the U.S.-linked Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) or border distribution points, according to humanitarian groups.

Gaza’s Deepening Hunger Crisis

Gaza is currently in a state of famine, confirmed by the international food insecurity authority.
Seven children died of hunger on Wednesday alone, raising the death toll from malnutrition to 154, according to Gaza health authorities.
The World Health Organization issued a stark warning, saying that starvation is “slow and painful,” especially for children, and reversing the damage would take “months, if not years.”
The UN has attributed much of the crisis to man-made causes, primarily the restrictions on humanitarian access and supply routes into Gaza.

Social Collapse and Aid Looting

With aid scarce, looting has become widespread. Hundreds routinely gather around the few trucks that manage to enter Gaza, often overrunning the vehicles before they can be unloaded.
The UN stated that consistent aid delivery is essential to restore order and curb desperation-driven theft.
Israel has recently increased the number of aid entry points, but aid organizations say the new measures fall far short of what is required.

International Pressure and Diplomatic Moves

The United Nations and multiple governments have condemned Israel’s control over aid crossings and the resulting humanitarian disaster.
Countries including Canada and several European nations have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, citing the urgency of the situation.
Cyprus said it was preparing to reopen a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos calling the conditions in Gaza “unacceptable.”

U.S. Envoy’s Visit and Trump’s Response

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel this week to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discuss ceasefire efforts. He is also expected to visit a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation facility.
Witkoff’s visit coincided with President Donald Trump’s public call for Hamas to surrender and release the estimated 50 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Trump proposed a U.S.-Israel partnership to operate new aid distribution sites in Gaza but offered few specifics.

Ceasefire Negotiations and Military Pressure

Israel submitted a response to Hamas’s latest proposal, which included a 60-day pause in hostilities and a prisoner-hostage exchange.
Talks had previously stalled after Israel and the U.S. withdrew from negotiations in Doha, accusing Hamas of introducing new demands—an allegation Hamas denied.
Israel has threatened to intensify its military campaign and reimpose stricter sieges if ceasefire conditions are not met, according to Israeli media.

Rising Death Toll and Destruction

The ongoing war began after the Hamas-led October 2023 attack, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel.
Since then, over 60,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, and much of the territory’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

Global Reactions Escalate

The European Commission proposed partially suspending Israel’s participation in a key science research program.
Germany’s foreign minister indicated that any unilateral Israeli actions, such as annexation, could affect Berlin’s stance on recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Israel has rejected these moves, stating they reward Hamas and undermine its security efforts.

This latest surge in casualties and the growing famine in Gaza have further intensified global calls for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, as well as unrestricted humanitarian access to the territory.