More than 700 Palestinians have been killed and more than 4,891 others were injured trying to get food in the Gaza Strip over the past few weeks, reports Al Jazeera, quoting the Gaza Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry said on Saturday that at least 743 Palestinians were killed and more than 4,891 others were injured while seeking assistance at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites.
The United States and Israeli-backed aid scheme, which requires Palestinians to seek assistance at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites, has drawn widespread criticism amid multiple reports that its contractors, as well as Israeli forces, have opened fire on aid seekers.
The GHF began operating in the bombarded Palestinian enclave in late May.
Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud said that the attacks on aid seekers come as Palestinian families are desperate to feed their families amid dire shortages caused by Israel's blockade of Gaza.
"People are going hungry. People are rationing supplies. A lot of families are not eating. Mothers here skip meals to provide for their children," he said.
Earlier this week, a report by The Associated Press News agency quoted American contractors who said live ammunition and stun grenades had been fired at Palestinian civilians seeking aid at GHF distribution points.
The GHF claimed that the news agency's reporting is categorically false and said it takes the safety and security of its sites extremely seriously.
The administration of US President Donald Trump also has stood by the GHF, with a State Department spokesperson telling reporters on Wednesday that the group is the one entity that has gotten food and aid into the Gaza Strip.
In late June, the Trump administration pledged $30m in direct funding for the organisation.
Leading humanitarian and human rights groups have demanded the immediate closure of the GHF, which they accused of forcing two million people into overcrowded, militarised zones where they face daily gunfire and mass casualties.
Still, faced with dire shortages of food, water and other humanitarian supplies under Israel's blockade, many Palestinians in Gaza say they have no choice but to seek assistance from the group, despite the risks.
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