Daijiworld Media Network- Gaza (DD)

Gaza, May 29: In a heartrending portrait of desperation, hunger-stricken Palestinians continue to brave long and dangerous treks in search of food, as Gaza plunges deeper into a humanitarian catastrophe. The blockade enforced by Israel, now months long, has left civilians like Jehad Al-Assar with no choice but to walk 10 kilometres from Deir el-Balah to Rafah, clutching at hope amid starvation.

His destination: the aid distribution centre of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed relief group now under fire for disorganised and chaotic operations. The foundation's head recently resigned, citing grave failures in adhering to basic humanitarian principles.

At the Rafah distribution site, thousands, including women and children, surged past iron gates in a frenzy to reach aid supplies. Jehad recounted the moment: “There was no trace of humanity. I was nearly crushed. People were grabbing whatever they could — sugar, cooking oil — and rushing out.”

Despite his efforts, Jehad returned with just a few items: canned tuna, a small bag of sugar, pasta and biscuits. Still, his daughters greeted him with joy. “We often skip meals so the kids can eat,” he said, his voice heavy with resignation. “There’s no choice.”

His story echoes across Gaza. Awad Abu Khalil, 23, called the scene “apocalyptic,” with people running, clashing and scrambling for food, as gunfire cracked in the background. “I thought American staff would distribute aid in an orderly way — not like this,” he said.

Another resident, Walaa Abu Sa’da, a 35-year-old teacher and mother of three, was forced to defy her husband’s fears and join the crowd. “My children were starving. I begged neighbours for scraps,” she said. But when she reached Rafah, the supplies were already gone.

A torn bag of flour spotted along the way sparked a brief glimmer of hope — until a fellow father, also desperate, refused to give it up. “I understood,” she said through tears. “But his words broke me. I wept for what we’ve become.”

The GHF's mismanagement has triggered widespread condemnation, with several nations criticising Israel’s refusal to allow United Nations and other international humanitarian agencies access to the besieged territory.

Since halting aid entry in early March — while a ceasefire was still in place — Israel has resumed and escalated military operations in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll now exceeds 54,000, according to local health authorities. Aid convoys have been sporadic, and with international agencies barred, even basic food distribution has spiralled into deadly chaos.

In the last 48 hours alone, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported at least 10 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces while attempting to obtain food aid.

Despite the rising body count and deepening despair, families across Gaza say they will continue risking everything to feed their children. “There’s no dignity left,” Walaa said. “But hunger leaves us no choice. We won’t forgive those who let us fall this far.”