Tragically, at least 27 individuals have lost their lives and many more have sustained injuries from Israeli fire near a food distribution site in southern Gaza, according to local health authorities. This incident marks the third day of escalating chaos and bloodshed disrupting the vital aid operation.
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The Israeli military stated that its forces opened fire on a group of individuals who strayed from designated access routes near the distribution center in Rafah. They noted that an investigation into the events is currently underway.
This loss of life occurred mere hours after Israel reported that three of its soldiers had been killed during confrontations in northern Gaza. The military has been intensifying its months-long offensive against Hamas militants, which has devastated much of the region.
The situation is dire, with a spokesperson reporting that more than 35 patients urgently required medical attention. Meanwhile, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) initiated its first food distribution sites last week, aiming to address the significant hunger among Gaza’s war-affected population, many of whom have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing violence.
Despite their efforts, the GHF’s plan—which circumvents traditional aid organizations—has faced significant criticism from the United Nations and established charities, who argue it deviates from key humanitarian principles. The private aid group, endorsed by Israel, reported the distribution of 21 truckloads of food early this morning, asserting that the operation was “conducted safely and without incident.” However, reports continue to emerge of tragic incidents, including repeated killings near Rafah as people gather for desperately needed supplies.
On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials reported a further 31 fatalities and numerous injuries. The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians who were gathering for aid and characterized reports of casualties during Sunday’s distribution as “fabrications” propagated by Hamas. They further asserted that their forces had identified “a number of suspects” approaching them outside of the designated access routes.
The military statement continued, “The forces fired evasive shots, and after the suspects did not withdraw, additional shots were fired in their direction.” In response to the ongoing violence, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed that he was “appalled” by reports of Palestinians being killed and wounded while attempting to obtain aid, calling for an independent investigation into these incidents.
In light of the situation, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for residents in several districts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza late yesterday, warning of a strong military response against militants operating in those areas. They urged residents to move west toward the Mawasi humanitarian zone. However, Palestinian and UN officials emphasize that there are no truly safe areas within the territory, with a staggering portion of the 2.3 million inhabitants now internally displaced.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has expressed concern that the new evacuation orders could hinder operations at Nasser Hospital, the largest functioning medical facility in the south, jeopardizing the lives of patients receiving treatment there. Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza following the assault on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen reportedly killed 1,200 individuals and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli accounts. The ensuing conflict has claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives, as per local health authorities.
“Amidst such tragedy, we are reminded of the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians,” said Guterres, emphasizing the international community’s responsibility in these critical times.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
