Reports from medics indicate that at least 23 people have died and 200 others have been injured after Israeli troops opened fire near a food distribution site in Gaza. The incident, which occurred near a site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah, is part of a pattern of mass shootings that have resulted in hundreds of Palestinian deaths while seeking aid.
Dr. Ahmed Alfara, a Gazan doctor, reported that people attempting to reach the aid center were targeted by snipers. He described the severity of the injuries, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of the aid distribution process. While the Israeli military has not immediately commented on the latest reports, they have previously acknowledged opening fire near aid sites, attributing the violence to militants.
Following the shootings, relatives gathered at Nasser Hospital to mourn the deceased, who were wrapped in white shrouds. One individual who attempted to access aid described the situation as a "trap, a killing," advising others to avoid the area. Hours later, further Israeli gunfire resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of injuries as Palestinians awaited UN-funded aid trucks. Witnesses reported looting of food packages from several trucks.
The GHF, which resumed food deliveries on Sunday, has been operating three distribution sites in areas guarded by Israeli troops since international aid was blocked three months ago. However, Dr. Alfara criticized the centers as a failure and called for the UN and NGOs to resume aid distribution. The UN has rejected the GHF plan, citing its inadequacy, danger, and violation of humanitarian principles.
The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, accused Israel of "weaponizing" food in Gaza and called for investigations into the attacks. The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, criticized the Israeli-imposed restrictions and described the current aid distribution system as "lethal." Before the new system, UN agencies distributed aid across hundreds of sites.
Israel claims it had to crack down on distribution due to Hamas diverting aid, a claim the militants deny, accusing Israel of using hunger as a weapon. Prior to the recent incident, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported at least 300 deaths and over 2,600 injuries near aid distribution sites since the GHF began operations. The war in Gaza began 20 months ago, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel, and has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction.
1 Comments
Comandante
Israel’s security is paramount. Sacrifices are necessary when dealing with militants.