The UN Secretary-General has urged for an independent investigation into the shooting of Palestinians near a Gaza aid distribution center managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), after reports indicated many were shot while seeking assistance. Disputed claims from Israeli officials and local witness accounts add to the complexity of the incident, resulting in heightened international scrutiny.
UN Demands Investigation Following Fatal Incident at Gaza Aid Distribution Site
UN Demands Investigation Following Fatal Incident at Gaza Aid Distribution Site
Tensions escalate as the UN calls for an inquiry into the killings of Palestinians amid allegations of Israeli gunfire at an aid site in Rafah, leaving dozens injured and dead.
The United Nations secretary-general has called for an independent investigation regarding the death of Palestinians near an aid distribution center in Gaza on Sunday. Reports emerged, claiming Israeli forces opened fire on civilians who were waiting for food aid from a center in Rafah backed by the US and Israel. Witnesses recounted harrowing experiences of being shot at while trying to access resources.
The Red Cross reported treating 179 casualties at its nearby hospital, with at least 21 dead upon arrival. Conversely, the Hamas-affiliated Civil Defence agency stated the death toll had risen to 31. Israeli military officials denied any allegations of their troops firing on civilians, labeling the reports as false and further asserting that there were no incidents at or near their humanitarian facilities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his outrage over the killings, urging for a prompt and independent inquiry into the alarming events in Gaza. "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday," he stated. Following this, Israel's foreign ministry criticized Guterres' comments as a "disgrace," arguing he failed to mention Hamas's role in the ongoing unrest.
As the situation intensifies, the Red Cross reported a mass influx of patients suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds, including women and children. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also reported serious injuries at the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, with accounts from patients indicating they were fired upon from various military forces, including drones and tanks.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have conducted an initial inquiry revealing their troops did not engage with civilians at the aid center. They also accused Hamas of disseminating misinformation aimed at obstructing assistance efforts in the region. In contrast, an IDF spokesperson mentioned that warning shots had been fired at potential threats approaching their positions.
The unrest at the aid center drew attention to the broader issues plaguing Gaza, compounded by the ongoing military campaigns and blockade imposed by Israel. Reports show that violence escalated dramatically following a Hamas-led attack on Israel in early October, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and leaving hundreds of thousands affected by the humanitarian crisis. Following the incident, Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted various locations in Gaza, further exacerbating the situation as casualties continue to rise amidst escalating tensions.
The Red Cross reported treating 179 casualties at its nearby hospital, with at least 21 dead upon arrival. Conversely, the Hamas-affiliated Civil Defence agency stated the death toll had risen to 31. Israeli military officials denied any allegations of their troops firing on civilians, labeling the reports as false and further asserting that there were no incidents at or near their humanitarian facilities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his outrage over the killings, urging for a prompt and independent inquiry into the alarming events in Gaza. "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday," he stated. Following this, Israel's foreign ministry criticized Guterres' comments as a "disgrace," arguing he failed to mention Hamas's role in the ongoing unrest.
As the situation intensifies, the Red Cross reported a mass influx of patients suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds, including women and children. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also reported serious injuries at the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, with accounts from patients indicating they were fired upon from various military forces, including drones and tanks.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have conducted an initial inquiry revealing their troops did not engage with civilians at the aid center. They also accused Hamas of disseminating misinformation aimed at obstructing assistance efforts in the region. In contrast, an IDF spokesperson mentioned that warning shots had been fired at potential threats approaching their positions.
The unrest at the aid center drew attention to the broader issues plaguing Gaza, compounded by the ongoing military campaigns and blockade imposed by Israel. Reports show that violence escalated dramatically following a Hamas-led attack on Israel in early October, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and leaving hundreds of thousands affected by the humanitarian crisis. Following the incident, Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted various locations in Gaza, further exacerbating the situation as casualties continue to rise amidst escalating tensions.
