Deadly Day at Aid Sites
On Sunday, more than 70 people lost their lives when they went to collect food in Gaza. Some went to tents run by aid groups. Others tried to find food near damaged schools. All faced firing. Many of the victims were women or children. More than 150 people were hurt. This was one of the worst days for those who need help in 21 months of conflict. aid groups say the real toll is high because extra roadblocks and checks slow down trucks.
Crisis in Northern Gaza
In the north, people have almost no way to live. They have little water. They have almost no medicine. Also, they face bombs and drones every day. Aid groups had tents there. They shut them down in early October. Since then, no food or water reached many towns and villages.
The World Health Organization notes that health centers took more than 1,000 hits. Hospitals now have fewer beds for the 2.1 million people who live in Gaza. Some run out of medicine for fever or pain. They even lack clean bandages.
Impact of Evacuation Orders
The Israeli army issued orders to move people from central Gaza. In August, they told families to leave towns like Deir al-Balah five times. They said the move was for safety as troops moved in. But this push hit aid centers. Deir al-Balah was a hub for aid. Now many groups had to move their tents again. That meant less food for more people. Some families fled for the tenth time since the war started. Experts say the moves broke the time they need to pack and find new homes.
Mounting Toll for Aid Seekers
Since late May, at least 875 people died as they went to get help. More than 600 died near a set of aid tents run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. That group opened in May to try to feed people in the south. But the killings kept rising. The U.N. human rights office said the deaths added up by July 13. They warned that stopping food and water moves is against basic laws in war.
Personal Analysis
I feel sad about these losses. I think the world must do more. Aid groups work hard. They plan safe spots. Yet more people die. I think both sides should let aid flow. Families need food and water. They need hope.
Sources: cnn.com