Gaza: Humanitarian crisis deepens, Israeli forces kill 50 civilians rushing toward wid trucks

Israeli forces have reportedly shot and killed 50 people who were rushing towards aid trucks delivering essential supplies to the war-torn city of Gaza.

The toll in the Palestinian territories has now exceeded 30,000 in nearly five months of conflict, with the health ministry describing the situation as increasingly dire.

As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, there are growing calls for a truce between Israel and Hamas militants. The White House is considering air-dropping aid into Gaza, reflecting heightened concern. Alarming reports from Al-Shifa hospital reveal children succumbing to malnutrition and dehydration.

US President Joe Biden’s administration is underlining the urgency of addressing the crisis. Samantha Power, head of the US Agency for International Development, emphasizes the need for more open crossings to facilitate vital humanitarian assistance.

Before the Gaza City incident, the health ministry reported at least 79 people killed overnight, pushing the overall death toll in the territory above 30,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urges an end to the violence, calling for a ceasefire.

New Zealand designates all of Hamas as a “terrorist” entity, echoing the sentiment of several Western countries. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are actively seeking a six-week pause in the war, hoping for a truce around March 10 or 11.

Proposals for the truce include potential releases of hostages held on both sides. The international community is pushing for a resolution, with the United Nations humanitarian agency warning of an “extremely critical” food security situation in Gaza.

The UN’s OCHA describes the food security situation as extremely critical, particularly in northern Gaza. The WFP accuses Israel of blocking access, warning of an imminent famine in the region. Neighboring countries like Jordan have air-dropped aid, and Egypt’s defense ministry released footage of a similar mission.

While Israel denies blocking supplies, the situation on the ground is dire. Thousands of displaced people in Gaza are struggling to access basic necessities, with reports of starvation among children.

Fighting continues in various parts of Gaza, with Israel’s military reporting the elimination of militants. Talks about Gaza’s post-war future are ongoing, with Israel’s plans excluding the Palestinian Authority. The international community, however, is advocating for a revitalized PA to take charge once the conflict ends.

In a meeting in Moscow, Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, discuss the future. The Palestinian foreign minister emphasizes the need for a “technocratic” government without Hamas. Meanwhile, internal political tensions in Israel are evident, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant calling for the enrollment of the ultra-Orthodox community in military service.

As the international community grapples with the unfolding tragedy, the urgency for a ceasefire and comprehensive humanitarian aid is more critical than ever.