At least 73 Palestinians were killed on Sunday, July 20, 2025, as they waited to receive humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and hospital sources.The deadliest incident occurred near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, where 67 people were reportedly shot and killed amid overcrowding and chaos. Over 150 others sustained injuries—some critical.

Witness accounts suggest Israeli forces, including snipers and armoured units, opened fire on crowds gathered around aid trucks. One witness likened it to “hunting animals”. Meanwhile, Israeli military officials defended their actions, stating they fired warning shots at a crowd they deemed threatening, though casualty figures are disputed.

The shooting coincided with new evacuation orders issued for central Gaza, particularly Deir al‑Balah, which may hinder relief operations. The United Nations has called for clarity regarding the orders' impact on UN facilities.

The violence unfolds amid a deepening humanitarian crisis: over 58,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023, and famine conditions threaten millions. With ceasefire talks in Qatar stalled and aid access fraught, experts warn of further civilian suffering.