As war rages on in Gaza, civilians are risking their lives to seek basic food supplies amid escalating violence. "Hunger and the lack of everything makes us go there," said Mohammed al-Qedra, a 33-year-old man who was shot while trying to get essential supplies for his family at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution center. With injuries to his hand and leg, he was transported to a field hospital operated by UK-Med, a British charity, where he recounted the perilous journey he undertook in search of food.
"I know that I might get injured or killed at any time, yet I still go there to get a kilo of flour,” Mohammed expressed, underscoring the dire conditions prevailing in Gaza. He is among countless others in desperate need, compelled to risk their lives for food. The UN human rights office estimates that more than 1,000 Palestinians have died seeking food aid over the last two months, with a large number deaths occurring near GHF distribution centers.
Reports indicate that the distribution sites are fraught with danger, raising accusations against Israel over the high mortality rate of civilians seeking aid. Israeli officials contend that Hamas is responsible for the chaos, asserting that their forces have only fired warning shots aimed at controlling the crowds.
The emergency department at the UK-Med hospital is experiencing overwhelming patient numbers, according to British paramedic Sam Sears, who highlighted the severe nature of injuries stemming from efforts to access humanitarian aid. Patients arrive with critical wounds, including gunshot and shrapnel injuries.
Dr. Aseel Horabi, a Palestinian medic, shares her own harrowing experiences as she frequently visits the aid sites. “If we are to die from hunger, let it be," she said, conveying the gravity of the situation with a chilling admission that her husband's attempts to help ended tragically in gunfire. She and her colleagues often treat up to 50 injured individuals a day, while simultaneously coping with their own hunger.
The UN warns that Gaza is teetering on the brink of famine due to the continued blockade imposed by Israel. The World Health Organization has confirmed that critical shortages of food, medicine, and fuel have worsened, with nearly a quarter of the 2.1 million population facing famine-like conditions. The international community has called out what they describe as a “man-made” crisis, with major humanitarian organizations accusing Israel of imposing a siege that has led to mass starvation.
Despite claims from Israel that aid is entering Gaza, the World Health Organization's executive director emphasized the dire situation, stating, "More than [1,000] people have died while trying to feed themselves." The criticism continues as reports illustrate the struggle of Gazans, exemplified by Dr. Horabi’s lament: “We have come to a disastrous situation. The world is listening and watching but silent.”
As conditions further deteriorate in the region, the ongoing conflict leads to an unyielding humanitarian crisis impacting every family in Gaza.
