Tragedy in Rafah: Israeli Shelling Claims Lives Near Humanitarian Aid Centre

A devastating Israeli attack near a humanitarian aid centre in Rafah has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians, highlighting the severe humanitarian conditions in the region. Local journalists report that the incident took place as crowds gathered for food aid, and rescue efforts faced overwhelming obstacles.

At least 15 Palestinians have died following Israeli tank shelling and gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Rafah, southern Gaza, as reported by local medics and residents. Mohammed Ghareeb, a journalist from Rafah, revealed to the BBC that thousands had congregated by a US-funded humanitarian aid site when Israeli military forces advanced and opened fire, resulting in tragic casualties.

Local footage shared by journalists depicted the harrowing scene, with bodies and injured individuals transported on donkey carts to a nearby Red Cross field hospital, as rescue teams struggled to reach the site due to Israeli control. "The dead and injured lay on the ground for a significant period," Ghareeb noted, highlighting the severity of the situation.

A doctor at the Red Cross facility stated that they received 15 bodies and approximately 50 injured individuals. Efforts were ongoing to transfer the casualties to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis for further treatment. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal later confirmed that over 100 people had sustained injuries, attributing at least ten fatalities to the gunfire from Israeli vehicles targeting civilians.

This incident underscores the worsening humanitarian conditions in Rafah, exacerbated by recent military actions that have hindered access to vital aid and emergency services. As desperation grows, civilians have been seen rushing toward aid trucks in a chaotic attempt to secure food supplies.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization supported by the US and Israel, has been distributing meals at designated points in Gaza to counter accusations from Israel that Hamas has been diverting aid, a claim Hamas denies. The GHF reported distributing around two million meals this past week, although this figure has not been independently verified.

This incident unfolds as US efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas proceed. Hamas has indicated its willingness to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners but demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and guarantees for ongoing humanitarian aid, as part of a permanent truce.

Despite the complexities involved, US special envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the current proposal as "unacceptable," stating that it undermines chances for a ceasefire. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian plight in Gaza remains paramount, with ongoing scenes of desperation and chaos reflecting the dire need for immediate relief.