85 Palestinians were killed while trying to access food aid across Gaza on Sunday July 20th 2025

Palestinian officials have reported that at least 85 Palestinians were killed while trying to access food aid across Gaza on Sunday, July 20, 2025, making it one of the deadliest days for aid-seekers in the conflict. The largest death toll, at least 79, occurred in northern Gaza as people attempted to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel.

Witnesses and health workers described tanks and drones targeting people “randomly,” with some stating they saw individuals shot dead. Hospitals reported that over 150 people were wounded, some critically.

The Israeli military acknowledged that soldiers had shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat and were aware of some casualties. However, they stated that the numbers reported by Gazan officials were far higher than their initial investigation found. The Israeli military also accused Hamas militants of creating chaos and endangering civilians.

This incident is part of a recurring pattern of violence near aid distribution sites in Gaza. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire while trying to access aid, particularly near sites run by the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), though the recent incident at Zikim crossing was not associated with GHF distribution points.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the UN World Food Program stating that nearly one in three people are going without food for days. The latest casualties occurred as Israel issued new evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza, a previously relatively safe area, further displacing an already vulnerable population. The Health Ministry in Gaza also reported that at least nine children under five years old have died of malnutrition since Israel imposed a blockade on aid entry in March, which was partially eased in May.