Tragic Truck Accidents in Gaza Claim 20 Lives

In central Gaza, a horrific accident left 20 dead, with over 30 individuals injured when four trucks toppled onto a crowd, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. The calamity unfolded on Tuesday evening near Deir al-Balah as desperate crowds attempted to access supplies and climbed atop the vehicles. Witnesses indicated that the drivers lost control due to the weight and chaos. Civil defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal noted that the rugged roads compounded the danger in this Israeli-controlled area.

On the same day, a total of 26 commercial trucks entered Gaza, but issues arose when six were looted, leading to the disastrous overturning of four of them. In a move to alleviate humanitarian concerns, Israel had recently begun allowing more goods, like baby food and hygiene products, to enter Gaza, although conditions remain dire. Hamas reported that civilians had been waiting for these basic supplies for weeks, often causing frantic crowds to gather around delivery trucks.

In a related incident, Jordan alleged that Israeli settlers attacked a Gaza-bound aid convoy, causing further disruption. A government spokesman called for urgent action from Israel to protect aid shipments following this and a previous attack. As Gaza faces severe malnutrition crises—reportedly leaving nearly 200 dead—the UN is urging for consistent humanitarian access, yet restrictions and theft of supplies persist. Amidst these severe challenges, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to deny any allegations of starving the Gazan population.

Since conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that claimed approximately 1,200 Israeli lives, the toll has been heavy on Gaza, with claims of over 61,000 Palestinian fatalities as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. As the situation worsens, the necessity for a dedicated international response grows ever more urgent.