Amidst the turmoil in Gaza, reports have emerged of a shooting near an aid distribution site, resulting in tragic casualties. Many individuals, anxiously waiting to receive essential supplies, might not even be aware that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's distribution centers, which have the backing of both Israel and the US, are shuttered until Sunday.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to comment on the incident. Historically, they've stated that troops fire when they perceive a threat from approaching individuals. According to Palestinian journalists, the fatalities occurred as Israeli troops engaged those near the site, but details are murky because Gaza's internet has been down for over two days.

This recent incident adds to the chaos surrounding aid delivery in Gaza. Reports indicate that Palestinians were killed and injured while gathering near a central Gaza aid site. Updates from the organization running these sites are sporadic, only accessible to those with e-sim cards due to the ongoing internet blackout.

The scarcity of both aid supplies and internet access is leaving the people of Gaza in a dire situation. Large crowds are remaining close to distribution centers—like the one in the Netzarim Corridor and others further south—hoping to secure food parcels when the sites eventually reopen.

Amid these challenges, there is growing concern from aid groups and medical professionals about Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. The facility is at risk of losing its ability to treat injuries from these violent encounters. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued warnings about the hospital's precarious state. Although an ICRC source initially claimed most healthcare workers had evacuated due to expanded IDF evacuation orders, it was later clarified that about 10% of staff have left.

Dr. Feroze Sidwa, currently working at Nasser Hospital, has called for urgent international intervention to ensure the hospital’s continued operation, stating, "If international law has any remaining relevance, Nasser must be protected and resupplied, and its staff must be protected immediately."

Dr. Victoria Rose, who worked at the hospital in May, emphasized the critical nature of the situation: "This is the only hospital in the south of Gaza with ITU beds, a CT scanner, oxygen generators, haemodialysis, and a blood bank. Hundreds of patients will instantly die, and all surgeries will have to move to tents."

Reflecting on the broader context, it's been 20 months since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Since then, the territory's Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 55,207 casualties.

These events highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as the region grapples with violence, limited resources, and a desperate need for international support.