Gaza Aid Trucks Kill 20 as Hunger Spirals Out of Control

DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA - What was supposed to be a lifeline turned into a deathtrap on Tuesday night, as four aid trucks overturned in central Gaza, killing 20 people and injuring more than 30, according to Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence agency.

The deadly incident unfolded south-east of Deir al-Balah, when crowds of starving civilians surged toward the incoming trucks-one of the few sources of basic goods in a region strangled by war. Locals say people climbed atop the vehicles in a frantic bid to grab food and supplies, causing them to tip over on the rugged, war-scarred road under Israeli military control.

"This is not aid-this is survival in hell," said a local man at the scene, who witnessed the chaos unfold.

The trucks, part of a 26-vehicle convoy operated by Gaza's private transport association, were among the few allowed entry into the besieged territory that day. At least six of them were looted in the mayhem, and four overturned, turning desperate hope into mass tragedy.

Israel recently announced a controversial policy shift-allowing private sector goods into Gaza, allegedly to increase aid flow while reducing reliance on UN agencies. The move has been heavily criticised by rights groups, who warn that such "privatisation of aid" leaves distribution chaotic, unregulated, and prone to violence.

Meanwhile, Hamas accuses Israel of manufacturing the crisis by restricting regular aid access for months, saying, "When people have waited weeks for bread, what do you expect them to do when they see a truck of food?"

Aid Convoys Under Attack - Again

Adding to the grim reality, Jordan on Wednesday accused Israeli settlers of attacking a separate Gaza-bound aid convoy near the Zikim crossing. A 30-truck convoy was reportedly ambushed with stones and its windscreens shattered-marking the second such attack this week.

"This is state-enabled lawlessness," said Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani. "Israel must take immediate action to stop settlers from sabotaging humanitarian efforts."

The incident reignites concern over the safety of aid deliveries amid rising tensions and international scrutiny.

Starvation Denied, Deaths Mount

While Israel maintains that it is not blocking aid and denies widespread starvation in Gaza, the facts on the ground paint a bleaker picture.

On Wednesday, Gaza's health ministry reported five more deaths due to malnutrition, raising the toll to 193 since the war began-including 96 children. Over 100 humanitarian organisations have sounded the alarm, warning of imminent mass starvation and accusing Israel of obstructing life-saving aid.

The Israeli military has promised "tactical pauses" and limited humanitarian corridors. But with nearly 90% of Gaza's 2.1 million people displaced and living in appalling conditions, aid groups argue these measures are far from enough.

"The reality is, people are dying not just from bombs-but from hunger, thirst, and abandonment," said one international aid worker in southern Gaza.

War's Toll Grows

Israel's military operation began after the October 7 attack by Hamas, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a relentless assault on Gaza. The latest figures from the Hamas-run health ministry claim at least 61,020 Palestinians have been killed since then-numbers that continue to rise by the day.

As the world watches the slow collapse of Gaza's humanitarian system, questions are being asked: Is this a war against militants-or a war that is starving a nation?