At least 48 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured Wednesday while waiting for food at a Gaza crossing, a local hospital said, as another aid distribution descended into deadly chaos.
The incident unfolded as U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff prepared to arrive in Israel on Thursday for talks, with Washington pushing to de-escalate the nearly 22-month war and secure the release of hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, incursion.
Israel’s military offensive and blockade have plunged the enclave of 2 million into what experts now call a “worst-case scenario of famine,” as aid convoys are routinely swarmed by desperate civilians and lawlessness deepens.
Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said the dead and wounded were among crowds gathered at the Zikim crossing, the main entry point for humanitarian aid to northern Gaza. It was not immediately clear who opened fire, and there was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which controls the crossing.
Associated Press footage showed bodies being ferried away from the scene in ambulances and wooden carts, as well as crowds carrying bags of flour.
