American officials pledge a food plan for Gaza following the visit of their envoy to the region
In the troubled region of Gaza, over 1,373 Palestinian civilians seeking food aid have tragically lost their lives since late May 2025. The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has confirmed that 875 of these deaths occurred while civilians were seeking aid, with a significant number linked to sites run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
According to the UN office, 859 of these deaths took place near GHF sites, and 514 along routes used by UN and aid agency convoys. The organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Israeli military of presiding over "regular bloodbaths" near aid points run by the GHF.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they allow GHF to operate independently for aid distribution but that IDF troops operate "in proximity" to ensure orderly delivery. However, reports document numerous civilian deaths near these aid points, with the IDF acknowledging firing near certain sites but claiming these shots were not directed at the crowd.
Amidst growing international condemnation of the humanitarian crisis and the violence surrounding aid distribution, US envoy Steve Witkoff visited Gaza in late July 2025. His visit aimed to give President Trump a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid.
The Israeli military is currently conducting a review of reported deaths in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages seized in a 2023 attack, while Hamas's armed wing has reportedly attacked GHF staff and convoys.
The BBC published an investigative report on Friday, detailing more than 160 children allegedly shot during the conflict, including 95 hit in the head or chest. The Israeli military has stated that any harm to civilians, especially children, is prohibited by international law and the army's orders.
Regarding the ongoing conflict, the retaliatory Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 60,249 Palestinians, most of them civilians. The Gaza civil defence agency reported that 22 people were killed by Israeli gunfire and air strikes on Friday, including eight who were waiting to collect food aid.
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and urged Israel to provide aid. President Trump has expressed a desire to help people in Gaza and get them fed. The GHF delivered its 100-millionth meal during Witkoff and US ambassador Mike Huckabee's visit.
However, the situation remains complex and dangerous. Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians. The armed wing of Hamas has also reportedly attacked GHF staff and convoys, including an incident where Hamas allegedly killed eight GHF workers and intimidated hospital staff.
As the crisis continues, the international community is urged to take action to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza, and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza, rooted in war-and-conflicts and politics, has unfortunately led to the loss of 1,373 Palestinian lives, with 875 of these deaths occurring while civilians were seeking health-and-wellness aid, such as food and drink.
- General-news sources have reported numerous civilian deaths near aid points run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), with Human Rights Watch accusing the Israeli military of presiding over "regular bloodbaths" near these sites.
- Science and evidence reveal that 859 of these deaths took place near GHF sites, and 514 along routes used by UN and aid agency convoys, raising concern about the safety of human rights in the region.
- As the situation remains complex and dangerous, lifestyle magazines and health-and-wellness blogs are shedding light on the crisis, emphasizing the importance of supporting peace and ensuring the safety and well-being of Gaza's civilians.
- In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, politicians, such as US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump, are taking action by visiting Gaza, aiming to deliver food and medical aid, and working towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict for the betterment of the Gaza lifestyle and overall health of its citizens.
