The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced a special "women only" aid distribution day at the Saudi district, aiming to provide food support to women amidst the ongoing conflict. However, the initiative turned into a nightmare for many families when violence erupted during the distribution.
Mary Sheikh al-Eid, a mother of seven, sought assistance to feed her children after the loss of her husband. Despite warnings from her sister Khawla, Mary was determined to attend, believing fewer people would show up on this designated women-only day. Yet, the reality was drastically different, as chaos unfolded immediately upon arrival.
Large crowds of women faced overwhelming disorder at the distribution site. Khawla recounted the horrifying scene where security forces deployed pepper spray and stun grenades to control the crowd. In the midst of the panic, the sisters became separated. Khawla was soon informed that Mary had been shot and was being transported to a field hospital.
Tragically, Mary was confirmed dead from a bullet wound to the neck, becoming one of two women to lose their lives that day. Another victim, Khadija Abu Anza, was shot shortly after warning shots were fired by Israeli troops while she and her sister attempted to access the aid being distributed.
Reports indicate that over 1,000 Palestinians have died while attempting to access aid since the GHF program began in late May. The UN has expressed concerns regarding the GHF's distribution system, claiming it compromises the safety and well-being of civilians. Critics argue that the program serves to enhance Israeli control over humanitarian efforts, placing civilians in harm's way.
In the face of mounting criticism, Israel's Defense Forces maintain that they are acting on perceived threats from the surrounding environment. Despite this, humanitarian officials claim the situation is dire, with rising mortality rates due to malnutrition as well as the ongoing violence overshadowing any efforts to provide aid.
Khawla recalled her sister's tragic end: "She went to get food for her children but she returned by people carrying her body." The call for urgent humanitarian intervention in Gaza grows as the need for aid becomes increasingly urgent.
