Tensions flared across Gaza as Palestinians were shot at while trying to reach UN food distribution centres. The blow came in the midst of a fragile truce and ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel over hostages and ceasefire terms.
Meanwhile, Sunday — forces shot at crowds of Palestinians trying to reach an aid distribution center in Rafah. Local witnesses counted at least 10 people killed, including women and children, and dozens more injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC) verified that crews evacuated 23 bodies and 23 wounded from the Rafah distribution center. They evacuated 14 wounded people from the Netzarim corridor in the center of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has claimed a different exchange deal. Under the terms of this deal, they will continue to free 10 living hostages and 18 dead bodies in exchange for Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners. This announcement is made against a backdrop of acute humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence.
The United States has been deeply engaged in the negotiations. Most recently, they’ve modified their plan to increase the difficulty for Israel to restart hostilities should a lasting truce not be achieved by the end of the ongoing ceasefire. This proposed amendment would do just that establish a positive framework for conversation and recovery from this ongoing dispute.
Witnesses recounted the terrifying moments as thousands stampeded to the aid center. Mohammed Abu Teaima, who witnessed the events unfold, stated, “They opened heavy fire directly toward us.” He described how his cousin and another woman were gunned down while attempting to reach the assistance.
The Israeli military reportedly said that its troops fired warning shots. This decision was meant to re-establish order of the space when masses of people flooded towards the relief pickup location. Hamas repeatedly charged that Israeli forces were targeting Palestinians on purpose. They accuse them of shooting dead at least three people and wounding 46 others near a distribution point for the Global Humanitarian Fund (GHF).
Sadly, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is still deepening. According to the International Pediatric Council (IPC), almost 71,000 children under the age of five will experience severe acute malnutrition. Over the next 11 months, they anticipate 14,100 cases of severe malnutrition. Israel had begun a total blockade in March, cutting off essential supplies. They defended this move by arguing that Hamas was commandeering supplies intended for civilian use, creating hell on earth.
As negotiations on other hostage exchanges and longer-term ceasefire terms continue, both sides have said they have made their moves. An official from the Israeli prime minister’s office stated, “Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week.” This call is an indication of Israel’s wish for an organized conversation to discuss the longstanding conflicts that sullied relations.
The Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed to Haaretz the new, short-term outline of releasing the hostages. They were obviously frustrated that Hamas wasn’t willing to fully commit to participating in negotiations. It asserted, “While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff outline for the release of our hostages, Hamas continues to adhere to its refusal … Israel will continue its action for the return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”
As bombs keep falling in Gaza, families desperately try to find food while living in a state of terror and loss. The humanitarian crisis only worsens as aid organizations find themselves unable to reach people with critical goods amidst a rapidly deteriorating and deadly environment.