GAZA CITY (Dispatches) — A 15-year-old Palestinian boy, Muhannad Zakaria Eid, was tragically killed when a humanitarian aid pallet fell on him during an airdrop over Gaza, underscoring the severe risks faced by civilians amid Israel’s intensified military invasion of the war-torn enclave.
Video footage shows crowds gathered near the so-called Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza around Eid’s lifeless body. Despite desperate attempts to resuscitate him, the boy succumbed to his injuries. His brother told Reuters that Muhannad was struck by a falling box dropped from planes, calling attention to the dangers of aerial aid deliveries. “They cannot bring aid through crossings, so they drop it on us — and children are dying,” he said.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, at least 23 Palestinians have lost their lives and more than 120 have been wounded in aid drops, according to the Gaza Government Media Office. The United Nations has repeatedly criticized airdrops as inefficient and hazardous, urging Israel to open land crossings for a steady flow of essential supplies including food, infant milk, and medical aid.
Meanwhile, violence continues unabated. The Gaza Ministry of Health confirmed that malnutrition-related deaths have surged, with five more Palestinians—including two children—succumbing within 24 hours, bringing the total to 217 since the war on Gaza began.
Restrictions imposed by Israel have severely limited aid entry since a partial blockade lift in late May. The World Food Programme has called on Israel to allow at least 100 aid trucks daily, but only 60 drivers have been approved so far. Convoys face frequent delays and cancellations amid ongoing military activity.
International condemnation is mounting over Israel’s recent announcement to seize Gaza City—a move that threatens to displace hundreds of thousands more Palestinians. Diplomats from Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have warned that Israel’s plan will worsen the humanitarian catastrophe and violate international law.
In Gaza, residents remain defiant. “There is nowhere safe left,” said Umm Imran, a Gaza City resident. “We will stay.”