Dozens killed in Gaza during aid distribution incident

Gaza's health ministry reported that Israeli forces killed and wounded dozens of Palestinians, including over 60 fatalities, near the Zikim crossing while they were gathered to receive aid from U.N. trucks. The ministry and health workers described the scene as overwhelming, with a field hospital flooded with victims. Israel's military stated its soldiers fired warning shots and then opened fire to address an unspecified "immediate threat," and questioned the reported casualty figures. The UN World Food Program confirmed its convoy encountered "massive crowds of hungry civilians which came under gunfire." The incident highlights the chaotic and dangerous conditions surrounding aid distribution in Gaza, where hunger is widespread and Israeli forces have previously fired on crowds seeking aid. Following the incident, Israeli forces advised Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza and parts of Gaza City, labeling them "combat zones."