In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a special 'women-only' aid distribution day intended to provide safety for female recipients in Gaza became a site of chaos and violence. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced the initiative on social media, promising a controlled environment for women to receive food aid. However, the reality was far different as long lines of women, including Mary Sheikh al-Eid, who recently lost her husband, gathered at the designated site, hoping to feed their hungry families.
Witnesses reported an overwhelming crowd that spiraled out of control when security forces responded violently, using pepper spray and stun grenades to manage the situation. Tragically, during the fray, Mary Sheikh al-Eid was shot in the neck and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Another woman, Khadija Abu Anza, was also killed under similar circumstances, causing a wave of grief among their families.
The situation highlights the dangerous conditions surrounding aid distribution in Gaza, where many others have been injured or killed in similar attempts to access essential supplies since this aid system's launch. Humanitarian organizations have criticized GHF for increasing safety risks, while the Israeli military asserts its actions are responses to threats posed by nearby crowds.
As violence continues to escalate, the call for increased humanitarian support has never been more urgent, with international officials stressing the necessity for safety and proper food access for the beleaguered population of Gaza.
