During a congressional hearing on February 29, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin claimed that Israel has caused the deaths of over 25,000 women and children since October 7, emphasising the need for better protection of civilians. Austin also noted that Israel has received around 21,000 precision-guided munitions since the beginning of its Gaza conflict. Recent reports from Gaza health authorities suggest that over 100 Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces while awaiting aid delivery, though Israel attributed the deaths to overcrowding around aid trucks.