According to reports from medical sources and local media in Gaza, at least 59 people have been killed and dozens more wounded after Israeli tanks allegedly opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians attempting to access humanitarian food aid in southern Gaza.
Palestinian medics said at least 59 people were killed and 221 wounded in the incident, at least 20 of them in critical condition. Casualties were being rushed into the hospital in civilian cars, rickshaws and donkey carts. It was the worst death toll in a single day since aid resumed in Gaza in May.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said: “Earlier today, a gathering was identified adjacent to an aid distribution truck that got stuck in the area of Khan Younis, and in proximity to IDF troops operating in the area.
🔹 What Happened:
- The incident reportedly occurred near Rafah, where hundreds of residents were gathered around a distribution point.
- Tanks stationed nearby opened fire, though Israeli military officials have not yet confirmed the incident.
- Medics in Gaza described scenes of chaos, with many victims including children and elderly.
🔹 Response:
- Gazan hospitals, already overwhelmed and under-resourced, are struggling to treat the wounded.
- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they are “reviewing the reports,” but did not confirm responsibility at this stage.
- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called for immediate investigation and a pause in military activities in civilian zones.
🔹 Context:
- This comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza after months of blockade, bombardment, and fuel shortages.
- More than 30,000 people are reported dead in Gaza since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war in late 2023.
- Food scarcity has driven thousands to seek aid at extreme personal risk.
⚠️ International Reaction Expected:
- Likely condemnations from human rights groups, regional leaders, and possibly calls for emergency UN Security Council discussions.
- Pressure continues to mount for a ceasefire and greater access for humanitarian agencies.
