At least 20 people were killed and more than 30 injured in central Gaza after four aid trucks overturned amid a chaotic rush by civilians, according to the civil defence agency under Hamas.
The incident happened Tuesday evening near Deir al-Balah when a crowd swarmed several aid vehicles entering the area.
Witnesses reported that people climbed onto the moving trucks, causing drivers to lose control.
The road conditions in the area were poor, and the region remains under Israeli military control, which has limited access to safer routes for aid delivery.
According to Gaza’s private transport association, 26 commercial aid trucks entered the enclave on Tuesday.
Six were looted during their journey, and four of those later overturned, leading to the fatalities and injuries.
Israel recently allowed private sector goods to enter Gaza in an effort to boost aid supply without relying entirely on UN distribution.
Approved items include baby formula, hygiene goods, fruits, vegetables, and essential food staples.
The Israeli defence ministry has not commented on the incident.
Civilians have reportedly been waiting for basic supplies for weeks.
The delay has often led to large groups gathering around incoming aid trucks, sometimes resulting in stampedes or uncontrolled situations.
In a separate event on Wednesday, Jordan condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a Gaza-bound aid convoy.
The 30-truck convoy was targeted after crossing into Israeli territory, with settlers throwing stones and damaging several trucks.
This marks the second such attack in recent days.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reported five more deaths due to malnutrition, raising the total to 193 since the war began, nearly half of them children.
Aid agencies continue to warn of a worsening hunger crisis, as truck deliveries remain inconsistent and often face looting.
Israel maintains it is not preventing aid from entering Gaza, despite ongoing international concerns.
Since the war began on October 7, over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities.