Injured Palestinians reached al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after getting hurt the night before while trying to collect food and supplies meant for people in need. AP Photo
Over 55,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began. Local health officials confirmed the number on Wednesday. The conflict has lasted 20 months. Women and children account for more than half of the victims. Medical staff believe more bodies remain trapped under debris or in unreachable places.
Attacks Near Aid Sites
At least 21 people died while going to aid centers on Wednesday. Health teams said 14 were killed near Rafah, and 7 more in central Gaza. A hospital in Khan Younis received their bodies. Another hospital in central Gaza confirmed the rest.
The military said it fired warning shots toward suspects who came too close to troops. However, it did not speak about the deaths reported in Rafah. The situation remains unclear.
Families Grieve Losses
A mother, Safaa Farmawi, lost her 16-year-old daughter, Ghazal Eyad. They went to get aid together. Ghazal went ahead and never returned. "People told me your daughter was martyred," Safaa said.
Such stories are now common as many people risk their lives to find food. Shooting incidents often happen near aid lines. A new group controls aid delivery, not recognized by international organizations. Witnesses say soldiers have shot at crowds before.
Aid Delivery in Chaos
The current aid system began last month. It replaced the one managed by global agencies. The new process has caused confusion and danger. Three aid centers are working, two located in Rafah, now mostly empty due to military operations.
This new method has made many people leave their homes in search of help. Experts warn of hunger everywhere. They say famine could hit soon if Israel doesn’t lift its blockade fully and stop its attacks.
Israel says it wants to stop militants from stealing aid. However, major aid groups and the UN deny such thefts. They argue the new system breaks the rules of fair aid delivery.
Two More Hostage Remains Found
Israel recovered the bodies of two hostages. One was Yair Yaakov, killed on October 7. His wife and children were kidnapped but later released. The military found the remains in Khan Younis. The name of the second hostage has not been made public.
Israel's defense minister called the recovery operation “complex.” The government did not share how it happened.
War’s Beginning and Ongoing Demands
The war started on October 7, 2023. On that day, Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel says it has rescued some hostages, while others were released during ceasefires.
Hamas now demands a full Israeli withdrawal, a ceasefire, and the release of Palestinian prisoners to free more hostages. Israel refuses these terms. It wants Hamas disarmed or exiled.
The Israeli leader insists on full military control of Gaza. He also supports moving many Gazans to other countries. This plan has sparked global criticism, with many calling it illegal under international law.
