**Chaos and Death at Gaza’s Food Distribution Points**
In the Gaza Strip, a desperate need for food has led to chaotic scenes at distribution points, resulting in death and injury. The situation is particularly dire for women, who are often forced to take on the risk of accessing aid.
Recently, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced a “women’s day” at one of its distribution centers, where only women were allowed to receive food packages. However, as with previous distributions, the scene quickly turned violent. Women and men alike were sprayed with pepper spray and shot at by Israeli soldiers.
**Tragic Consequences**
Two women, Mary Sheikh al-Eid and Khadija Abanza, lost their lives in Thursday’s violence. Their families describe the tragic events that unfolded. Mary, a mother of seven who had been struggling to feed her children after her husband was killed in war, died from a neck injury caused by a bullet. Her sister Khawla recounts the horror: “She said she wanted to go because it was a women’s day and the numbers would be small.”
Khadija, on the other hand, was shot in the neck while walking back with her family after being told to retreat by Israeli troops. Her sister Samah describes the traumatic moment: “I tried carrying her and her blood fell onto me. A man helped me carry her to Nasser Hospital.”
**Patterns of Violence**
This is not an isolated incident. Since the GHF system was introduced in May, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers while trying to reach aid. Former US soldier Anthony Aguilar has spoken out about the brutality and indiscriminate use of force against unarmed civilians.
The United Nations reports that most of these deaths occurred near GHF distribution sites or other aid convoys. The UN has refused cooperation with the GHF system, citing its unethical nature. European governments and aid groups have also condemned Israel’s control over food deliveries to Gaza in recent days.
**Israel’s Response**
Israel claims that it introduced the GHF to combat Hamas’ alleged diversion of aid under a previous system led by the United Nations. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Instead, humanitarian officials warn that Gaza is on the brink of collapse due to malnutrition and food shortages.
As the military power in Gaza, Israel has an international obligation to protect civilians and ensure their access to basic necessities like food. The introduction of the GHF system has only exacerbated the situation, turning distribution points into death traps.
**Demand for Change**
Khawla Sheikh al-Eid, Mary’s sister, sums up the desperation: “I pray that they are shut down. They are death traps.” It is clear that a change in strategy is needed to prevent further tragedy and ensure the well-being of civilians in Gaza.
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