A private aid organization supported by the United States and Israel has reported that a tragic event unfolded at one of its food distribution locations in southern Gaza, where 20 Palestinians lost their lives on Wednesday morning. According to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the casualties included 19 individuals who were trampled during a chaotic crowd surge, along with another who suffered a stab wound. The GHF stated that the turmoil was incited by "agitators" within the gathering, claiming their affiliations with Hamas played a role in the incident.
In a statement released following the incident, the GHF expressed concern over unrest it believes was provoked by armed individuals among the crowd. They mentioned that personnel at the site noticed firearms among the attendees, with one weapon being seized and an American worker even threatened by a crowd member brandishing a firearm. This occurrence comes after the GHF pointed out a concerning trend of misleading information circulating on social media about the availability of aid, which has reportedly led to confusion and increased crowd sizes at locations that were not operational, particularly in Khan Younis.
Previously, the GHF had to halt operations at the same site due to large crowds. They noted that despite distributing 18 truckloads of aid as one of only two working locations this week, criticism from the international humanitarian community has escalated. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of these aid hubs, with reports of multiple shootings around distribution centers claiming hundreds of lives. While the GHF has denied responsibility for incidents occurring outside its operations, they face allegations of operating too few aid sites, compelling desperate individuals to undertake long journeys to obtain necessary supplies.
In response to claims by local health authorities detailing high death tolls near GHF sites, the foundation has rebuffed these assertions, suggesting that they derive from sources aligned with Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli officials continue to dismiss such figures as propaganda, yet contend that strict media restrictions prevent independent verification of the situation within Gaza.
5 Comments
Fuerza
It's a complex situation. The organization is trying to operate, and that's what matters.
Manolo Noriega
It is understandable that security might be an issue, and the reports provide valid information even if the situation is not ideal.
Fuerza
Denying responsibility for incidents outside their operations? That’s convenient when they’re the ones providing the aid and facilitating the crowd and a high death toll.
Ongania
This sounds like a whitewash. Blaming 'agitators' and Hamas is a convenient way to deflect from the fact that 20 people died at your distribution site.
Fuerza
Hamas? Really? So it's always Hamas' fault? Sounds like an excuse to avoid accountability for the deaths.