Pope Condemns Gaza Conflict as Aid-Seekers Face Tragedy
Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the “barbarity” of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, following a day that saw dozens of Palestinians killed while queuing for aid. According to the Health Ministry, at least 85 people were killed in what is now the deadliest day for aid-seekers in 21 months of war. The Pope called for an immediate end to the violence and urged the international community to uphold humanitarian law and protect vulnerable populations.
“I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he said during an address at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome. He also emphasized the need to observe the prohibition of collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations.
Escalating Evacuation Orders Cause Panic
New evacuation orders issued by Israel’s military have caused widespread alarm among Palestinians. Parts of central Gaza, an area where many international organizations operate, are now under immediate evacuation. This includes the central city of Deir al-Balah, which had been considered a relative haven for residents. The new orders have cut access between Deir al-Balah and Rafah, as well as Khan Younis, creating significant disruption for aid distribution.
The UN estimates that around 85,000 people will be affected by these orders. Residents like Hassan Abu Azab expressed confusion and fear, asking, “Where will we move to?” Many are packing their belongings, including bedding and even live ducks, onto carts and vehicles. Smoke and blasts can be seen in the distance, with sirens echoing through the area.
The United Nations is in contact with Israeli authorities to determine whether UN facilities in the southwestern part of Deir al-Balah are included in the evacuation order. Previous instances have shown that such facilities were often spared, but this time remains uncertain.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
The new evacuation orders are expected to severely hinder efforts to provide aid to those in need. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) reported that several humanitarian organizations’ offices and guesthouses had been ordered to evacuate immediately, with nine clinics, including MAP’s, forced to shut down. It remains unclear which other groups have been impacted.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee encouraged displaced residents to head to Muwasi, a desolate tent camp on Gaza’s southern coast designated as a humanitarian zone. However, the area lacks basic infrastructure, raising concerns about its ability to support the influx of people.
Ceasefire Talks and Military Operations
Amid the escalating crisis, Israel and Hamas have been engaged in ceasefire talks in Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that expanding military operations in Gaza is aimed at pressuring Hamas during negotiations. Earlier this month, Israel claimed to control more than 65% of Gaza, highlighting the extent of its military presence.
Gaza’s population of over two million Palestinians is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. With limited aid entering the territory, many are relying on scarce resources. Displacement has become common, with families forced to move multiple times.
Tragedies at Aid Distribution Sites
Yesterday’s attacks on aid queues were particularly devastating in northern Gaza, where living conditions are dire. At least 79 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Health Ministry’s records department. The UN World Food Programme reported that 25 trucks carrying aid encountered massive crowds, leading to chaos.
Footage from the UN showed Israeli forces opening fire on crowds attempting to access the convoy. Ehab Al-Zei, who was waiting for flour, described being trapped by tanks and gunfire for hours. “I will never go back again. Let us die of hunger, it’s better,” he said, speaking over the sounds of people carrying the dead and wounded.
Nafiz Al-Najjar, who was injured, reported that tanks and drones targeted people randomly, resulting in the deaths of his cousin and others. While the Israeli military claims soldiers shot at a gathering of thousands posing a threat, it disputes the number of casualties reported by Palestinian officials, accusing Hamas of creating chaos.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Hospitals across Gaza are overwhelmed, with ambulances sounding alarms simultaneously as hunger and disease spread. The Health Ministry shared images on social media showing doctors holding signs about malnourished children and the lack of essential medication. The situation continues to deteriorate, with no clear end in sight for the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
