In a devastating update from the Hamas-run health ministry, it has been reported that at least 27 people have lost their lives and over 90 others have been injured while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza this morning. According to the ministry, several of the injured individuals are in critical condition, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The casualties occurred at an aid distribution site in southern Rafah, following conflicting reports regarding a similar incident that took place on Sunday. The Gaza civil defense agency claimed that at least 31 people were killed, attributing the tragedy to Israeli gunfire aimed at civilians in Rafah. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also reported a significant influx of casualties to its hospital in Rafah early Sunday morning, with 21 individuals declared dead upon arrival. However, it remains unclear if these fatalities are counted separately from those reported by Gaza authorities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an initial inquiry into the incidents and stated that their forces did not fire upon individuals near or within the aid center. The organization managing the aid distribution, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), also refuted claims of injuries and fatalities at its site, suggesting that such reports were disseminated by Hamas.
On Monday, health officials and local media indicated that three additional Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near the same GHF center. The Israeli military clarified that warning shots were fired at several suspects advancing towards troops located approximately one kilometer from the site.
As reported by Rushdi Abualouf, a Gaza correspondent from Cairo, individuals line up hours before the aid distribution point opens to enhance their chances of receiving food. Many who arrive at the official time announced by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation often find that supplies have already been depleted. Recipients have noted that the quantity of aid parcels distributed daily is grossly insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand.
With thousands in dire need and limited supplies, many individuals feel compelled to push forward, even at significant personal risk. This has become a common response for those who have endured over 12 weeks without reliable access to food.
The area where the recent deadly incident transpired is under tight control of the Israeli military. Eyewitness reports and survivor testimonies indicate that Israeli forces may have employed excessive force against unarmed civilians who gathered in search of aid.
Recent reports indicate another tragic incident near an aid distribution center in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for the Civil Defense Agency, stated that Israeli troops killed 19 individuals, including a woman, approximately one kilometer away from the aid hub located in the southern region of the enclave. According to Bassal, Israeli forces opened fire using tanks and drones on thousands of Palestinians who were waiting to access the aid center.
This incident occurred in the same area where, on Sunday, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that 31 people had died and nearly 200 were injured due to Israeli gunfire. While the IDF has denied firing on Palestinians during that incident, a military official acknowledged that soldiers had fired warning shots at what were described as suspects approaching them. As of now, the IDF has not commented on the latest reported incident, although the BBC has sought a response.
