Gaza’s Failing Aid System Under Fire as Israeli Ministers Urge War’s End
Massacre near U.S.-supervised aid center in Gaza sparks global condemnation; UNRWA, EU, and UK officials demand end to siege and accountability for humanitarian violations
Watan-The blood of Gaza’s starving population was spilled once again on Wednesday at the gates of aid distribution centers controlled by Israeli occupation forces, who deliberately targeted them after they entered an area known as the “death traps.”
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli shelling on Wednesday—and continuing at the time of this report—killed 78 Palestinians, including 58 who were waiting for food aid near a center operated by an American company at the “Netzarim corridor,” which separates northern and southern Gaza.
Israeli forces opened fire on civilians who had come from Gaza City, the north, and central Gaza. Over 200 others were injured, including young men, elderly individuals, and women. The wounded were transported to various hospitals across Gaza City and central areas of the Strip.
UNRWA Slams U.S.-Israel Aid Model as Israeli Ministers Push to End Gaza War
The system, which excludes the United Nations, is facing mounting international criticism.
Meanwhile, Israeli ministers reportedly told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “it is time to end the war in Gaza,” adding that “every additional day brings more political damage than military gain,” according to Hebrew media.
Channel 12 reported Wednesday evening that senior ministers (not named) told Netanyahu: “It’s time to start seeking an end to the war.” They emphasized that “each passing day sees the political harm outweighing any operational benefits.”
These remarks came against the backdrop of what the channel described as a “difficult phone call” between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged an end to the war.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes outside Gaza aid distribution points were “painful to witness,” describing the humanitarian situation as “horrific.”
He added: “Israel must lift the blockade and allow us unrestricted and safe access to deliver and distribute humanitarian aid inside Gaza.”
As attacks escalate and casualty numbers rise, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported extreme overcrowding in hospitals, which continue to be denied life-saving medical supplies by Israeli authorities.
It warned that “what remains of functioning hospitals is on the brink of total collapse, besieged by critical shortages that make the continuation of medical services impossible.”
European MP Rima Hassan in Solitary Confinement After Gaza Solidarity Arrest
Separately, the Adalah Legal Center revealed Wednesday evening that Israeli authorities have transferred two activists from the humanitarian ship Maddalena into Israeli prisons and placed them in solitary confinement—among them French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, who has launched a hunger strike. This was confirmed by the Left Group in the European Parliament.
Spanish MEP Ana Miranda Paz told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that “Israel’s hijacking of the ship—carried out with total impunity—violates international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Geneva Conventions.”
She added: “We must not forget our colleagues and fellow activists are in prison. Public pressure is mounting for their release. As Members of the European Parliament, we also demand the immediate release of all volunteers and call for the protection of EU citizens and residents participating in this peaceful humanitarian mission.”
