A deadly crush at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid center resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people. The incident, marked by chaos and accusations between GHF and Hamas, has highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
Tragedy Strikes Aid Distribution in Gaza, Leaving 20 Dead
Tragedy Strikes Aid Distribution in Gaza, Leaving 20 Dead
A catastrophic incident at a US- and Israel-backed aid site in Gaza leads to the deaths of at least 20 individuals amidst chaotic distribution efforts.
At least 20 people lost their lives during a tragic crush at an aid distribution center operated by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to reports from the organization and a local hospital. The GHF confirmed that 19 individuals were trampled, while one person was fatally stabbed amid the ensuing chaos at its facility in Khan Younis. The organization contends that the tumult was instigated by individuals "armed and affiliated with Hamas," which Hamas's government media office has vehemently denied, labeling GHF's claims as an attempt to obscure wrongdoing.
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving the bodies of 21 deceased, citing suffocation from tear gas inhalation and crush injuries at the aid center. This incident marks the first acknowledgment of fatalities at a GHF-operated site. Disturbing video footage circulated on social media, showing a witness recounting the event as they stood atop a cart filled with casualties, including several young boys. "They are children. What is their fault dying for aid?" he lamented, pointing out the physical barriers that restricted movement as people awaited essential food supplies.
Eyewitnesses described a scenario where diminishing space led to frantic pushing among the hundreds gathered. One victim, Mahmoud Fojo, highlighted the closure of gates by contractors, leading to an overwhelming crush as desperate individuals pressed forward. Another eyewitness alleged that armed security personnel discharged tear gas and pepper bombs to control the crowd, a claim that GHF spokesperson disputed, asserting that "tear gas was never used," and only limited pepper spray was deployed to prevent further injuries.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay stated that the tragedy was incited by armed militants from Hamas who infiltrated the crowd, stirring chaos that resulted in the fatalities. He specified that the individual who was stabbed was a medic intervening amidst the disorder.
The GHF employs private contractors to oversee aid distribution in highly controlled Israeli military zones, with US and Israeli officials asserting that these measures are essential to prevent aid from falling into Hamas hands. However, the United Nations has criticized this approach, deeming it unethical, as reports surface of recurrent violence against civilians attempting to access aid.
In the wake of this catastrophe, it was reported that at least 674 individuals had lost their lives near the GHF's centers over the past six weeks, with Israel’s military expressing acknowledgment of civilian casualties and their desire to deescalate tensions with local populations. The UN human rights office has urged Israel to ensure unfettered humanitarian access in light of the overwhelming need for assistance in Gaza.
