Witnesses report escalating violence as Israeli forces fired upon crowds waiting for flour at a World Food Programme site, resulting in significant casualties and raising concerns about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Tragic Loss of Life as Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Gaza Aid Distribution Site
Tragic Loss of Life as Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Gaza Aid Distribution Site
At least 51 Palestinians have been killed amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the distribution of vital food aid in southern Gaza.
Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 51 Palestinians and injured many more during a shooting incident near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza, according to witnesses and rescuers. The Hamas-run civil defense agency stated that Israeli troops fired on crowds assembled in Khan Younis, where over 200 individuals are said to have sustained injuries.
This incident marks one of the deadliest in a series of near-daily shootings occurring at or near aid distribution points in Gaza. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as Israeli forces allegedly opened fire and shelled an area close to a crucial junction east of Khan Younis, where thousands had gathered to receive flour from the World Food Programme, which also supports a local community kitchen.
According to local journalists and witnesses, two missiles fired from Israeli drones struck the area, followed by tank shells from an Israeli position approximately 400 to 500 meters from the crowd. The devastating explosions resulted in numerous casualties.
The Nasser Hospital, the primary functioning medical facility in the vicinity, is overwhelmed with casualties, forcing many injured individuals to lie on the floor as medical staff scramble to provide urgent care. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the reports, claiming a gathering was identified near an aid distribution truck that had become stuck in the Khan Younis area, and stated that they are reviewing the incident after reports emerged of injuries resulting from IDF fire.
Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk condemned the violence, asserting that Israel is “weaponizing food” and demanded investigations into the repeated shootings near humanitarian aid sites. While addressing the UN Human Rights Council, he emphasized, “Israel's means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.” As the situation escalates, calls for humanitarian intervention continue to rise amidst this ongoing crisis in the region.
