Thousands of desperate Palestinians stormed a United Nations warehouse in central Gaza on Wednesday. The World Food Programme reported two possible deaths amid the chaos. Israel and the UN traded blame over the worsening hunger crisis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire after a two-month blockade. Food security experts now warn that starvation looms for one in five people.
AFP footage captured crowds breaking into a WFP warehouse in Deir Al-Balah. Palestinians seized bags of emergency food supplies as gunshots echoed. “Hordes of hungry people broke into WFP’s Al-Ghafari warehouse,” WFP stated on X. Initial reports indicated two deaths and several injuries in the tragic incident. WFP continues to confirm the details of the event.
Israel, UN Trade Accusations Over Aid Distribution
Israel accused the United Nations of blocking Gaza aid distribution on Wednesday. The UN countered that it was facilitating the distribution of limited assistance. The issue of aid has gained sharp focus amid fears of starvation. Critics have targeted the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private US-backed aid group. GHF has bypassed the longstanding UN-led system in the territory.
Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, addressed the Security Council. He stated that aid was entering Gaza by truck under limited authorization. Danon mentioned a new distribution mechanism developed with the US. He accused the UN of trying to block the GHF operation. Danon claimed the UN used threats and intimidation against participating NGOs.
The UN reported that 47 people were injured on Tuesday. Thousands of Palestinians rushed a GHF site, and a Palestinian medical source confirmed at least one death. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reiterated the UN’s stance. “We will not participate in operations that do not meet our humanitarian principles,” Dujarric told AFP.
UN Struggles to Deliver Aid Amidst Conflict
The UN is doing all it can to send aid to Gaza. Since last week, Israel approved 800 truckloads, but fewer than 500 made it into Gaza. As the war entered its 600th day on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement. He claimed the offensive had changed the face of the Middle East. Netanyahu reported the killing of tens of thousands of militants. Among them was Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’s presumed Gaza leader.
Israeli media reported that Sinwar was targeted by strikes in southern Gaza earlier this month. His brother, Yahya, was killed in October 2024. In Washington, US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about a possible ceasefire. He expected to propose a plan soon. “I have some very good feelings about getting to a temporary ceasefire,” Witkoff said. He also mentioned a long-term, peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Gazans Remain Pessimistic Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Gazans, however, remained pessimistic about the situation. “Six hundred days have passed and nothing has changed,” said Bassam Daloul, 40. He noted that death and Israeli bombing continue unabated. “Even hoping for a ceasefire feels like a dream and a nightmare,” Daloul added.
Israel stepped up its military offensive earlier this month. Mediators continue to push for a still elusive ceasefire. Relatives of hostages held since the attack gathered in Tel Aviv. Arbel Yehud, freed from Gaza captivity in January, spoke out. “When Israel blows up deals, it does so on the heads of the hostages,” Yehud said. He explained that their conditions worsen immediately after such actions.
Out of 251 hostages seized during the October 7 attack, 57 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military says 34 of them are dead. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported at least 3,924 deaths since Israel ended the ceasefire on 18 March. This brings the war’s overall toll to 54,084, mostly civilians.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with no immediate end in sight. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. The hope for a peaceful resolution persists, but the path forward remains uncertain.
