Deadly chaos at Gaza aid sites: Israel accused of killing 93 'hungry' Palestinians; military disputes numbers, claims warning shots were fired

In Gaza, authorities reported that Israeli forces fatally shot 93 Palestinians attempting to receive humanitarian assistance on Sunday. The casualties included 80 deaths in the north during aid truck arrivals, nine near Rafah in the south, and four at a Khan Yunis aid site, according to AFP report.The UN World Food Programme reported that their 25-truck food aid convoy "encountered massive crowds of hungry civilians which came under gunfire" near Gaza City after crossing Israeli checkpoints. Israeli military contested the casualty figures, stating they fired warning shots when threatened by large crowds.Aid distribution casualties have become frequent in Gaza, with authorities attributing deaths to Israeli fire when desperate crowds gather at aid centres. The UN reported approximately 800 aid-seekers killed since late May.Qasem Abu Khater, a 36-year-old Gaza City resident, described a chaotic scene whilst seeking flour amongst thousands. "The tanks were firing shells randomly at us and Israeli sniper soldiers were shooting as if they were hunting animals in a forest," he said, as quoted by AFP, adding that he witnessed numerous deaths.The Israeli army maintains it strives to protect civilians and has implemented new protocols following similar incidents. Israel revoked the residency permit of OCHA office head Jonathan Whittall, who criticised Gaza's humanitarian situation.The conflict began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, resulting in 1,219 Israeli deaths. Israel's response has caused 58,895 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza's health ministry.Prime Minister Netanyahu apologised to Pope Leo XIV after a munition killed three people at Gaza's Holy Family Church. The Pope condemned the war's "barbarity" during Sunday's Angelus prayer.Israeli forces ordered immediate evacuation of Deir el-Balah residents southward. UN OCHA reports 87.8% of Gaza under evacuation orders, with 2.1 million civilians confined to 12% of the territory.Negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas regarding a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release. Of 251 original captives, 49 remain in Gaza, with 27 presumed deceased by Israeli military.