In the Gaza Strip, a tragic incident unfolded as at least 31 individuals were killed and over 150 injured while attending a food distribution event, according to health officials and witnesses. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds approximately one kilometre from an aid distribution site managed by an Israeli-supported organisation. Although the Israeli army stated they were unaware of any injuries caused by their fire, they confirmed that the situation was under review.
This violent episode followed a chaotic week of aid distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. On earlier occasion, it was reported that six people died and over 50 were injured amidst similar confrontations with Israeli troops at the delivery sites. The foundation maintained that their security contractors did not fire upon the crowds and claimed to have successfully delivered 16 truckloads of aid “without incident” that Sunday.
Before the incident, thousands had gathered to receive aid in southern Gaza. Reports indicate that as the crowd approached, Israeli forces instructed them to disperse. Witnesses recounted the shocking moment when Israeli forces began shooting at approximately 3 am, alleging that guns fired from multiple directions, including naval ships and drones. Individuals present described scenes of horror, witnessing numerous casualties and people being transported to nearby hospitals.
Medical officials reported a significant number of upper body wounds among the injured, with many victims requiring urgent care. A doctor from Nasser Hospital indicated that 150 wounded individuals were received, alongside many bodies.
The overarching humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by the newly established aid distribution system, which critics argue violates fundamental humanitarian principles. The system, endorsed by Israel and the US, is said to be designed to prevent aid diversion by Hamas but has been met with reluctance from UN agencies and major NGOs. They have described it as “engineered scarcity,” undermining humanitarian access and risking further displacement of the population.
Currently, Gaza faces a dire situation, with warnings of potential famine if aid is not significantly increased. The ongoing conflict, ignited by attacks from Hamas on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 54,000 deaths, predominantly among women and children. This crisis continues as ceasefire negotiations face setbacks, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and resolution in the region.