Reports indicate that Israeli gunfire targeted a crowd near aid distribution points in Khan Younis and Rafah, resulting in numerous casualties and highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Tragedy Strikes as Israeli Gunfire Claims Lives Near Gaza Aid Distribution Sites
Tragedy Strikes as Israeli Gunfire Claims Lives Near Gaza Aid Distribution Sites
A recent incident in southern Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 32 Palestinians as they sought food assistance, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
At least 32 Palestinians seeking food have been killed by Israeli gunfire near two aid distribution points close to Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Dozens were also injured near the two sites operated by the controversial US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), as stated by local officials. The GHF denied any incidents at its locations but noted "Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activity" occurred hours before the aid was scheduled for distribution.
Eyewitness accounts reported that the Israeli gunfire appeared to be deliberately lethal. An aid contractor claimed to have witnessed colleagues shoot at hungry Palestinians while another eyewitness, Mohammed Al-Khalidi, attributed the gunfire directly to the Israeli army. He described how a group of individuals, having been informed that the GHF aid distribution center was open, were met with advancing tanks and subsequent gunfire, which he characterized as specifically intended to kill.
This incident is part of a pattern, with daily reports of Palestinian fatalities while waiting for aid since the GHF commenced operations in late May. The IDF, in response to the outcry, stated that its troops fired warning shots to deter approaching "suspects," claiming the incident unfolded before the aid distribution sites opened.
While the GHF claims the aid distribution is necessary to prevent Hamas from misappropriating aid, the UN has refused to collaborate with the organization, labeling it as unethical and criticizing the lack of evidence suggesting Hamas systematically diverts aid. Meanwhile, the UN's human rights office recorded 674 killings near GHF's sites over the past six weeks, alongside 201 casualties along routes of UN and other aid corridors.
As Israel restricts food access to Gaza, a report shows the number of acutely malnourished children has doubled since March, emphasizing the dire humanitarian conditions. A field hospital's director noted an influx of patients suffering from severe malnutrition, and thus far, 69 children have died due to this escalating crisis.
Despite ongoing discussions of a possible ceasefire, a Palestinian official expressed skepticism about the viability of negotiations, citing ongoing issues with Israel's proposed troop withdrawal plan. The situation in Gaza continues to be marked by violence, humanitarian distress, and complex geopolitical tensions.
