The situation in Gaza remains dire as violence erupts at an aid distribution site, resulting in dozens of casualties and widespread international condemnation. Israeli troops fired on crowds attempting to reach the site, killing dozens and wounding many more, with the highest number of "weapon-wounded" patients reported since the hospital's establishment over a year ago.
This incident is part of a larger conflict that has been ongoing for nearly 20 months, with truce talks stalled and negotiations failing to produce a breakthrough. The war has resulted in at least 4,117 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, with 57 hostages still being held.
The Israeli military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has ordered the establishment of additional aid sites and expansion of ground operations in northern and southern Gaza. However, this move has been met with criticism from international leaders.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distributed 2.1 million meals as of Friday, but access remains inconsistent at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Israeli troops opened fire towards crowds near a GHF aid site, which is located in an area inaccessible to independent media. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that most victims had tried to reach an aid distribution site before being injured.
The situation has been exacerbated by Israel's blockade since March, with nearly one-third of the population displaced and over 640,000 people affected.