Stop attacking people seeking aid in Gaza

Attacked: The woman slumped over in the donkey cart was hit in the head with part of a stun grenade at a food distribution site in Gaza, according to an American contractor who provided the photo on condition of anonymity because it revealed their employers’ internal operations. — AP

MERCY Malaysia expresses profound alarm over and deep condemnation of the continued killing of civilians at humanitarian aid distribution sites in Gaza. We reiterate our urgent call for a halt to these deadly attacks, and for all parties to the conflict to allow immediate, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, in accordance with international humanitarian law (IHL).

In less than a month, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,000 injured while attempting to reach or distribute humanitarian aid. Among the dead and injured are many children, some of them killed while holding bags of flour or waiting in a food line. This alarming toll underscores the failure of current distribution mechanisms and the imperative for a coordinated, safe, and dignified humanitarian response.