An Israeli military attack near an aid centre in Rafah has resulted in the death of at least 15 Palestinians, highlighting escalating humanitarian crises amid ongoing military operations. Local residents report chaotic scenes as rescue teams struggle to reach the wounded.
Tragedy in Rafah: Israeli Fire Claims Lives at Humanitarian Aid Centre
Tragedy in Rafah: Israeli Fire Claims Lives at Humanitarian Aid Centre
At least 15 Palestinians have died due to Israeli tank shelling near a humanitarian aid distribution point in Rafah as rescue efforts are impeded.
At least 15 Palestinians have been reported killed following Israeli tank shelling and gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Rafah, according to medical sources and eyewitness accounts. The attack occurred as thousands gathered at a US-funded humanitarian aid centre after a recent easing of Israel's total aid blockade.
Local journalist Mohammed Ghareeb described the chilling scene in Rafah, stating that Israeli tanks opened fire on the large crowd near the Al-Alam roundabout early in the morning, around 04:30 local time. Efforts to transport the injured were hampered, forcing residents to utilize donkey carts to convey the bodies and wounded to a nearby Red Cross field hospital located in the al-Mawasi area.
Reports indicate that substantial casualties were recorded, with a doctor at the hospital confirming the arrival of 15 deceased individuals and around 50 others injured. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal provided conflicting information, stating that over 100 people were wounded, emphasizing the chaos of the situation.
The tragedy highlights the critical humanitarian crisis affecting Rafah, which has faced immense challenges due to recent Israeli military actions that have restricted access to essential aid and emergency services. Recent events have led to scenes of desperation, with individuals rushing aid trucks as portrayed by the World Food Programme.
In an interwoven context, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US- and Israel-supported organization, has been tasked with distributing food in designated sites across the region. Acknowledging the distribution of two million meals within the past week, the BBC has yet to verify these claims independently.
Complicating matters, the United States is currently seeking to mediate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has indicated a willingness to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, yet they continue to push for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and uninterrupted humanitarian access—demands not currently reflected in proposals presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which he characterized as "unacceptable."
The ongoing conflict and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza underscore the need for urgent international attention and resolution.
