**Dozens of Palestinians Killed in Gaza as They Attempt to Access Aid**
In a devastating turn of events, hospitals in Gaza have reported that dozens of Palestinians were killed as they attempted to access aid. The incident occurred near a convoy carrying flour and a food-distribution site run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Netzarim Corridor, an Israeli military zone.
According to reports from two hospitals in Gaza City, 25 people died overnight while attempting to reach the GHF aid distribution center. Hamas’ Civil Defence agency reported that Israeli forces opened fire on civilians, while also claiming that Palestinians had shot and crushed others with lorries. The Israeli military claimed that troops fired warning shots when suspects approached.
In another incident, a hospital in Khan Younis reported that 14 more people were killed in Israeli fire near the GHF site at Rafah in the south. The Israeli military confirmed that it was investigating the reports from Rafah.
**Aid Distribution System on the Verge of Collapse**
The Gaza aid distribution system has been the subject of much attention in recent weeks. However, what is becoming increasingly clear is that the entire system is on the verge of collapse. UN agencies and other aid organizations refuse to cooperate with the GHF due to its violation of humanitarian principles such as neutrality, independence, and impartiality.
The US and Israel claim that the GHF system will prevent Hamas from stealing aid, but the UN claims this is not a widespread issue, while Hamas denies it altogether. The situation in Gaza is dire, with a population of 2.1 million facing catastrophic levels of hunger following a nearly three-month total Israeli blockade.
**Eyewitness Accounts**
Eyewitnesses have expressed their sense of despair and frustration at the chaotic conditions. One parent said that their child hadn’t eaten for two or three days, while another described the situation as “apocalyptic”. Many people have been forced to risk their lives to receive aid, with some even resorting to violence.
**UN Spokesperson’s Statement**
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq reiterated the organization’s strongest possible terms that no one should be forced to risk their life to receive aid. He also highlighted the WFP’s difficulties in delivering aid due to increased Israeli military operations, which have prevented convoys from reaching Gaza.
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