Israeli Tanks, Snipers Fire on Palestinian Aid Seekers in Northern Gaza

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Gaza's Health Ministry have condemned Israeli forces for opening fire on Palestinians seeking food aid near a 25-truck WFP convoy at the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, resulting in one of the deadliest incidents for aid-seekers amid the ongoing conflict. At least 79 to 80 Palestinians, including many women and children, were killed and numerous others wounded in the attack, which involved tanks, snipers, and other gunfire despite assurances of safe passage for the convoy. The WFP emphasized that their operations are neutral and independent and called for an immediate halt to violence against civilians and aid missions, warning that without safe conditions, life-saving aid cannot be delivered. Israeli military officials claim they fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat but dispute the reported death toll. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that over 59,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict so far, with more than half being women and children, underscoring the severe humanitarian crisis and the escalating malnutrition and hunger in Gaza. Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue without clear progress, while Israeli evacuation orders expand, suggesting a potential new front in the conflict and increasing pressure on the remaining population in Gaza.