Tragedy Strikes as Trucks Overturn in Gaza: 20 Dead, 30 Injured

A shocking accident involving lorries in Gaza has resulted in at least 20 fatalities and over 30 injuries, exacerbating the dire conditions faced by residents amid escalating violence.

Twenty people have died, and more than 30 others have been injured in central Gaza after four lorries overturned while navigating a crowd, according to reports from the Hamas-run civil defense agency. The tragic event took place on Tuesday evening near Deir al-Balah, where locals rushed to the vehicles that were bringing much-needed supplies, leading to chaos as drivers lost control.

The spokesperson for the civil defense, Mahmoud Basal, highlighted that the area was under Israeli military authority, making the driving conditions perilous for the transport vehicles. On the same day, 26 commercial trucks were permitted to enter Gaza, but reports indicate that six of these trucks were looted, contributing to the overturn incident.

Israel has begun to allow a gradual increase of humanitarian goods into Gaza through private entities to diversify supply channels and lessen reliance on UN aid. The approved items include essential foodstuffs, hygiene products, and other necessities that residents have been anxiously awaiting, leading to frantic scenes around arriving trucks.

In a related event on Wednesday, Jordan reported that an aid convoy of 30 trucks bound for Gaza faced obstruction from Israeli settlers, resulting in property damage. Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani called for immediate Israeli intervention to prevent such aggressive disruptions, marking the second such incident in recent days.

Additionally, the Hamas-run health ministry has reported five new deaths attributed to malnutrition, increasing the death toll related to starvation since the conflict's escalation to 193, including 96 children. Numerous humanitarian organizations decry the severe lack of essential supplies, claiming that Israel's operations hinder the effective distribution of aid.

Despite claims of starvation levels, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that there are no restrictions on aid entering Gaza. In the wake of ongoing international pressure, Israel announced it would temporarily cease military action in specified sectors to facilitate humanitarian aid transport.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened since Israel launched a military offensive in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, with reported casualties including over 61,020 Palestinians killed since the start of hostilities. The UN has made repeated requests for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance, but delivery remains sporadic, with numerous aid vehicles reported stolen.