At least 73 Palestinians were killed on Sunday while attempting to access humanitarian aid at various distribution points across Gaza, according to a report by the Associated Press. The highest number of fatalities occurred in northern Gaza, where at least 67 individuals were killed near the Zikim crossing with Israel. The figures were confirmed by the health ministry in Gaza and local hospitals.
It remains unclear whether the deaths were caused by Israeli military fire, armed gangs, or both. However, several eyewitnesses claimed that Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd.
Health workers stated that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over recent weeks while trying to obtain food and supplies at Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) distribution centers. The GHF is supported by both the United States and Israel. In addition to the fatalities, more than 150 people were injured in Sunday’s incidents, many of them critically.
New Evacuation Orders Amid Ceasefire Talks
In a separate development, the Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings for central Gaza on Sunday. The order affects areas between Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, severely restricting civilian and humanitarian movement in the already devastated enclave.
The timing of the evacuation order coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. The United Nations has reportedly asked Israel to clarify whether its facilities in southwestern Deir al-Balah are included in the latest evacuation zone.
The area covered by the new evacuation spans from previously cleared zones all the way to the Mediterranean coast. The directive is expected to significantly disrupt aid operations and civilian access to shelter and essential services.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned that the army will carry out intense strikes on militant targets and urged civilians, including those living in makeshift tents, to relocate to the Muwasi area on Gaza’s southern shore—a designated “humanitarian zone” with limited infrastructure and resources.
Earlier in July, the Israeli military announced that it had gained control over more than 65% of the Gaza Strip. The recent developments raise fresh concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.
