Gaza has escalated dramatically, with recent events highlighting the dire conditions faced by its residents. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, at least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 170 wounded during an aid distribution at a site in Rafah, southern Gaza. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds approaching the distribution centre, resulting in numerous casualties.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed organisation overseeing the aid distribution, denied the incident, claiming that aid was distributed without any casualties and accusing Hamas of fabricating reports. However, Gaza’s civil defence agency and local hospitals confirmed the fatalities and injuries, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with over half a million residents facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. The ongoing Israeli blockade has severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into the region, exacerbating the crisis. The World Food Programme reported that 97% of households in Gaza have inadequate food consumption, with many resorting to extreme measures to survive. The blockade has also led to widespread shortages of clean water and medical supplies, further compounding the humanitarian disaster.
Gaza Faces Imminent Famine Amid Blockade
The GHF’s involvement in aid distribution has been met with criticism from various humanitarian organisations and the United Nations. Critics argue that the GHF’s operations, which are conducted under Israeli military oversight, violate fundamental humanitarian principles by allowing Israel to control aid distribution. The United Nations and other aid groups have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns over impartiality and neutrality. Additionally, the GHF has faced internal challenges, including the resignation of its executive director, who cited difficulties in adhering to humanitarian principles while working under strict Israeli control.
The international community has expressed grave concern over the situation in Gaza. The United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. However, efforts to broker a ceasefire have stalled, with significant differences between Israel and Hamas over the terms of any agreement.
Hamas has proposed a permanent ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and unrestricted humanitarian aid, but these demands have been rejected by Israel and the United States. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths and left the majority of Gaza’s population dependent on humanitarian assistance.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with escalating violence, widespread starvation, and limited access to humanitarian aid. The recent deadly incident during an aid distribution underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire and the establishment of a neutral and impartial humanitarian aid system. Without immediate international intervention, the prospects for peace and stability in Gaza remain bleak.
