In a devastating incident on Thursday, medics reported that Israeli gunfire claimed the lives of 12 Palestinians who were gathered at an aid distribution hub overseen by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the group awaited critical supplies amidst ongoing hostilities.
The GHF has denied any violent occurrences at its site, while the Israeli military claimed "suspects" approached their forces, prompting warning shots that allegedly resulted in the fatalities. This incident marks a continuation of nearly daily lethal engagements near aid distribution points in the region.
Since the GHF assumed control of aid distribution in Gaza earlier this year, hundreds of Palestinians have lost their lives in scenarios involving aid rather than direct strikes on Hamas positions. Gaza's health ministry confirmed that 12 individuals were killed seeking aid overnight, with further specifics undisclosed.
Civil defense officials reported that as many as 15 individuals might have died, with scores injured in the skirmish near the Netzarim corridor, which has become a frequent gathering point for people seeking humanitarian assistance. Due to restrictions preventing international media access to Gaza, confirming these accounts remains challenging.
One witness, Bassam Abu Shaar, recounted the fear and confusion that gripped thousands at the aid site when Israeli forces opened fire just after midnight. The high density of the crowd left people trapped with no means of escape. In contrast, the GHF characterized the claims as "false and misleading."
Hamas has publicly urged the UN to intervene and facilitate aid distribution exclusively, a stance supported by several humanitarian organizations that criticize the GHF's model for lacking neutrality. The ongoing Israeli blockade, still affecting Gaza’s civilians, has led to widespread food shortages and dire humanitarian conditions.
The Israeli military stated that their actions were in response to perceived threats from within the crowd, amidst reported casualties from separate shelling incidents across the Gaza Strip, including the tragic loss of a family of seven in Jabalia. Since October 7, 2023, as tensions escalated following a Hamas attack, the health ministry reports an estimated 55,637 deaths in Gaza due to military actions.
Amidst escalating claims and conflicting narratives, the situation remains dire, compelling humanitarian agencies to seek reestablishment of neutral aid pathways to safeguard civilian lives amidst continuous hostilities.
The GHF has denied any violent occurrences at its site, while the Israeli military claimed "suspects" approached their forces, prompting warning shots that allegedly resulted in the fatalities. This incident marks a continuation of nearly daily lethal engagements near aid distribution points in the region.
Since the GHF assumed control of aid distribution in Gaza earlier this year, hundreds of Palestinians have lost their lives in scenarios involving aid rather than direct strikes on Hamas positions. Gaza's health ministry confirmed that 12 individuals were killed seeking aid overnight, with further specifics undisclosed.
Civil defense officials reported that as many as 15 individuals might have died, with scores injured in the skirmish near the Netzarim corridor, which has become a frequent gathering point for people seeking humanitarian assistance. Due to restrictions preventing international media access to Gaza, confirming these accounts remains challenging.
One witness, Bassam Abu Shaar, recounted the fear and confusion that gripped thousands at the aid site when Israeli forces opened fire just after midnight. The high density of the crowd left people trapped with no means of escape. In contrast, the GHF characterized the claims as "false and misleading."
Hamas has publicly urged the UN to intervene and facilitate aid distribution exclusively, a stance supported by several humanitarian organizations that criticize the GHF's model for lacking neutrality. The ongoing Israeli blockade, still affecting Gaza’s civilians, has led to widespread food shortages and dire humanitarian conditions.
The Israeli military stated that their actions were in response to perceived threats from within the crowd, amidst reported casualties from separate shelling incidents across the Gaza Strip, including the tragic loss of a family of seven in Jabalia. Since October 7, 2023, as tensions escalated following a Hamas attack, the health ministry reports an estimated 55,637 deaths in Gaza due to military actions.
Amidst escalating claims and conflicting narratives, the situation remains dire, compelling humanitarian agencies to seek reestablishment of neutral aid pathways to safeguard civilian lives amidst continuous hostilities.
