Israeli Strikes Kill Palestinians Guarding Gaza Aid Trucks Amid Distribution Challenges

According to Hamas officials, Israeli airstrikes on May 23 killed at least six Palestinians who were safeguarding aid trucks against looters, highlighting the ongoing difficulties in delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza amid the 11-week-long blockade and conflict. 

The Israeli military reported that 107 trucks carrying essentials such as flour, foodstuffs, and medical supplies entered Gaza from the Kerem Shalom crossing on May 22. However, humanitarian organizations note that distribution remains problematic due to ongoing looting by armed groups near Khan Younis, which has resulted in food meant for vulnerable populations being stolen. They also criticized Israel for conducting airstrikes targeting security teams protecting the aid shipments.

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Humanitarian sources said that since May 19, when Israel eased its blockade in response to international pressure, 119 aid trucks have entered Gaza, but many are still halted at the crossing. Aid delivery is hampered by ongoing military operations, with Israel claiming to have conducted 75 strikes overnight targeting weapons sites, resulting in at least 25 deaths, according to Palestinian medical officials.

The blockade and military conflict—prompted by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the taking of 251 hostages—have devastated Gaza, causing over 53,600 Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction. Aid groups report severe malnutrition among the population and warn that the aid reaching Gaza remains insufficient and limited in scope.