Witnesses and humanitarian organizations report a tragic event, leading to a high casualty toll amidst conflicting narratives from involved parties.
**UN Calls for Urgent Inquiry into Fatalities at Gaza Aid Distribution Site**
**UN Calls for Urgent Inquiry into Fatalities at Gaza Aid Distribution Site**
Independent investigation sought following disputed reports of Israeli gunfire in Rafah.
The United Nations Secretary-General has urgently called for a thorough independent investigation into the tragic deaths of Palestinians near a Gaza aid distribution center on Sunday, where reports allege Israeli forces may have opened fire. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in Rafah, where individuals gathered to receive food aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the US and Israel.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that its hospital treated 179 casualties, including 21 fatalities. The Civil Defence authority in Gaza contended that 31 people had died, while the GHF and the Israeli military refuted claims of gunfire at civilians, labeling the assertions as falsehoods.
UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed his horror at the events, emphasizing the need for accountability. This call was met with criticism from Israel's foreign ministry, accusing Guterres of failing to mention Hamas in his statement.
The Israeli military maintained that its forces did not engage civilians near the aid site, dubbing conflicting reports as fabrications. They suggested that Hamas was spreading disinformation to hinder Gazans' efforts to obtain aid. However, Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted that their patients reported being targeted by aerial and ground assaults as they sought assistance.
Local journalists reported that large crowds were present when Israeli tanks allegedly initiated gunfire. Video footage circulating online showed civilians taking cover amidst gunfire, though verification of the clips was challenging due to international media restrictions in Gaza.
As the situation escalated, further reports emerged of three additional fatalities linked to Israeli fire in the vicinity of the GHF center. The Red Cross confirmed it treated more casualties, while humanitarian groups decried the persistent violence affecting aid distribution.
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of a broader military offensive initiated by Israel in response to Hamas attacks earlier this month, raising grave concerns over the humanitarian impact on the civilian population in Gaza amidst ongoing hostilities. The tension continues as the international community watches closely, calling for immediate actions to protect civilian lives and ensure accountability.
