Mothers in Gaza risk death for food

In Gaza, Hind Al-Nawajha, a mother of four, embarks on a perilous daily journey to secure food for her family, often facing the threat of Israeli gunfire. Accompanied by her sister, Mazouza Al-Sultan, they navigate through dangerous conditions, hiding behind rubble as gunshots echo nearby. Al-Nawajha described the grim reality of their situation, stating, "You either come back carrying food for your children or you come back in a shroud."

Recent reports indicate that dozens of Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food from aid trucks, with at least 40 fatalities reported alone. This includes 12 individuals near a site operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The Israeli military has stated that it opened fire to disperse crowds approaching areas where troops were stationed, claiming to review reports of civilian casualties.

The GHF, which has been channeling much of the aid into Gaza, has faced criticism from the United Nations for its distribution methods, deemed inadequate and dangerous. Since late May, hundreds have died attempting to reach GHF sites, as the humanitarian crisis deepens. The ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in nearly 55,600 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement.

As the situation worsens, the Norwegian Refugee Council has warned that over 1 million people lack adequate shelter, with essential supplies blocked from entering Gaza. Al-Nawajha and her sister have been camping by the roadside for 20 days, often returning empty-handed after facing fierce competition for limited food supplies. The dire conditions have left many Gazan families struggling to survive, with mothers like Al-Nawajha caught in a desperate cycle of hunger and danger. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with civilians caught between the need for food and the threat of violence.