Israel-Hamas war reaches 600th day amid continued conflict and lack of aid

In the Middle East.

Ordinary Palestinians continue to bear the brutal brunt of Israel's counteroffensive against the militant group Hamas as both sides mark a tragic milestone today.

Ahn Sung-jin reports.

Thousands of people storm towards an aid distribution point, causing a stampede.

Shots are fired into the air to disperse the crowd.

On Tuesday, following almost three months of aid being blocked, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributed around 8-thousand food boxes or around 462-thousand meals in the southern city of Rafah.

"We want to eat, we're hungry, we have been humiliated, with the communal kitchens and the (lack) of water and everything. Look what they've put for us."

The Israel-Hamas war has reached the 600-day mark.

Nearly two years into the conflict, more than 54-thousand people have been killed and over 123-thousand injured.

Gazans suffer from severe food shortages and a lack of access to healthcare in the devastated enclave.

Israel has faced widespread condemnation for the civilian suffering caused by the conflict.

600 days ago on October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,000 and kidnapping more than 200 people.

That led to massive Israeli military offensives, air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza.

Though ceasefire negotiations continue with mediators including the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, a deal has yet to be reached.

International organizations such as the World Health Organization urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.