Middle East crisis: Dozens killed while seeking aid at Gaza crossing; US envoy heads to Israel for talks

At least 37 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday (local time) while waiting for food at a crossing in the Gaza Strip, AP reported citing a local hospital. The source of the gunfire remains unclear, and the Israeli military, which oversees the crossing, has not issued a statement. This comes as the US envoy is headed to Israel for talks.

Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported that casualties occurred among large crowds gathered at the Zikim Crossing, the main route for humanitarian aid into northern Gaza.

US envoy Steve Witkoff, who has spearheaded the Donald Trump administration’s push to end the nearly 22-month conflict and secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7 attack, is set to arrive in Israel on Thursday for discussions on the Gaza crisis.

At least 41 people were killed across Gaza on Tuesday, according to hospitals. Twelve died near the Zikim crossing when Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on aid-seekers. Strikes killed 13 more in Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. In Khan Younis, 16 were killed near the Morag corridor while waiting for aid.

Since the war began, 89 children and 65 adults in Gaza have died from malnutrition, AP reported citing local health authorities. Israel denies widespread hunger, disputing reports from the UN and aid groups.

The conflict began with Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251. Israel’s response has killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, whose figures are widely cited despite operating under Hamas.