Israeli forces have shot and killed five Palestinians waiting for food aid near Wadi Gaza in central Gaza, according to a report from the Wafa news agency, according to Al Jazeera's live coverage. The incident marks yet another deadly confrontation at aid distribution sites amid mounting humanitarian desperation in the besieged enclave. Earlier the same day, 12 other civilians were reportedly shot dead by Israeli forces near the Netzarim Corridor, also in central Gaza. These are the latest in a string of deadly encounters since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) took

Israeli forces have shot and killed five Palestinians waiting for food aid near Wadi Gaza in central Gaza, according to a report from the Wafa news agency, according to Al Jazeera's live coverage. The incident marks yet another deadly confrontation at aid distribution sites amid mounting humanitarian desperation in the besieged enclave. Earlier the same day, 12 other civilians were reportedly shot dead by Israeli forces near the Netzarim Corridor, also in central Gaza. These are the latest in a string of deadly encounters since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) took over limited food distribution operations in May. According to United Nations estimates, nearly 1,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while gathering near aid delivery locations. The worsening food crisis meanwhile, has forced tens of thousands of Gazans to endure not only hunger but extreme conditions as summer temperatures rise. In a seaside refugee camp west of Gaza City, 30-year-old street vendor Fadi Sobh described the unbearable heat and scarcity of resources that define daily life for his family. His wife, Abeer, 29, has no access to fresh water and must fetch water from the sea. She uses it to bathe their children by pouring the saltwater over their heads while they stand in a metal basin. Their nine-month-old daughter, Hala, often cries as the saltwater stings her eyes. Abeer feeds her from a baby bottle, mixing water with powdered lentils when they are fortunate enough to find food. "One day feels like 100 days, because of the heat, hunger and distress," Abeer said.

Abeer and Fadi Sobh gather in their tent with their children at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, Thursday, July 24, 2025 [Jehad Alshrafi/AP via Al Jazeera]

Fadi often lines up at a nearby soup kitchen in hopes of bringing food back for his children. Sometimes, one of the children goes with him. But food is scarce there too. “The kitchen opens roughly once a week, and never has enough for the crowds,” he said. “Most often, I wait all day but return with nothing. The children sleep hungry, without eating.” As aid continues to fall short of demand and Israeli forces maintain strict control over its distribution, humanitarian agencies warn that the conditions in Gaza are rapidly deteriorating into full-blown famine. Meanwhile, families like Fadi and Abeer's endure the crushing weight of hunger, heat, and despair — with little hope in sight.

People carry the body of a Palestinian who was killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid on Friday [Mahmoud Issa/Reuters via Al Jazeera]

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