'Let us die of hunger, it's better': Officials say 73 killed seeking aid
At least 73 Palestinians have lost their lives while attempting to access aid in various locations across Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. This represents one of the deadliest days for those seeking assistance in the region during over 21 months of conflict.
Concerns escalated on Sunday as Israel’s military issued evacuation directives for areas in central Gaza, a region less frequently patrolled by ground troops and home to many international aid organizations attempting to deliver assistance.

The highest casualties occurred in northern Gaza, where at least 67 Palestinians died while trying to obtain aid through the Zikim crossing with Israel, as reported by the Health Ministry and local hospitals.

Palestinians carry sacks of humanitarian aid unloaded from trucks convoy that had been heading to Gaza City, in the northern Gaza Strip Sunday, July 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Reports of people dying of hunger

Ambulances stationed at three major hospitals in Gaza sounded their sirens simultaneously on Sunday morning in an urgent call to action as the food crisis intensifies. The Health Ministry shared images on social media of doctors holding signs highlighting malnourished children and the shortage of medical supplies.

A spokesperson for the ministry, Zaher al-Wahidi, reported that at least nine children under the age of five have succumbed to malnutrition following Israel’s blockade on aid entry imposed in March, which was partially relaxed in May.

He said tracking malnutrition deaths is difficult because some people might be suffering from other medical conditions that could be compounded with severe hunger.

In northern Gaza, Shifa Hospital director Abu Selmiyah said the hospital recorded 79 people who died of malnutrition in the past month.

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