
According to authorities in Gaza, at least 20 people were reported to have died in Gaza City waiting to receive food aid, a tragedy that prompted feelings of loss across the community and left many confused about why it had occurred.
The victims were part of a crowd of around 1,500 people seeking supplies as part of a sporadic ‘dole’ to help them survive in an increasingly desperate situation in the Palestinian territory. ‘There was chaos, and one could witness the huge crowd stumbling on each other to reach the aid,’ testified Iyad Nasser, an eyewitness.
Although we don’t know what happened, some stampede occurred as people in the crowd pushed to the front to collect their rations. The crush of people, combined with poor crowd control, might have led to the deaths.
Gazan authorities launched an investigation into the incident to pinpoint what precisely caused the deaths and to identify safety lapses. Authorities also announced a series of measures to prevent others from falling into the same trap. ‘We have to make sure we take care of people who need help,’ one fire officer told LabourStart.
The deadly incident spotlights dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where years of war, economic crisis, and blockade have left many residents unable to cover even their most basic needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added pressure to Gaza’s stretched-thin health system.
While international organizations and humanitarian agencies try to assist the people of Gaza, a desperate, unmet need remains, Gaza City is a reminder of the urgent need to address the underlying reasons for the humanitarian situation and try to relieve the long-term suffering of Palestinians.
Even as Gazans continue to bury the dead from the fatal discharge of food, voices are calling for an enhanced push to alleviate the economic despair that feeds poverty and deprivation in Gaza. The international community has been encouraged to redouble efforts to aid and support Gaza to improve its long-term development and stability.
Source: www.nytimes.com March 15, 2024