Recent reports indicate that Israeli gunfire and airstrikes have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 41 Palestinian lives across Gaza, as confirmed by local health authorities. Among those casualties, five individuals were killed near two aid sites managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
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Medics at Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza reported that at least three people were killed and numerous others injured by Israeli fire while attempting to reach a GHF site close to the Netzarim corridor. Additionally, two individuals lost their lives on their way to another aid station in Rafah in the south. A separate airstrike in Beit Lahiya town, located in the northern part of the enclave, resulted in the deaths of seven more individuals, as reported by medical personnel.
The remaining casualties were attributed to various airstrikes throughout southern Gaza, with local authorities indicating a sharp escalation in violence. As of now, there has been no immediate response from the Israeli military regarding these incidents.
The GHF commenced food package distributions in Gaza at the end of May following a partial lifting of a nearly three-month total blockade imposed by Israel. Tragically, numerous Palestinians have been killed in almost daily shootings while attempting to reach these essential food supplies. In a recent statement, the GHF announced that it resumed food deliveries on Sunday, successfully distributing over two million meals from its three locations without incident.
However, the United Nations has voiced strong objections to the newly established Israeli-backed distribution system, labeling it inadequate, hazardous, and a breach of humanitarian neutrality principles. The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli military’s humanitarian coordination body, stated that this week it facilitated the entry of 292 trucks carrying humanitarian aid from both the United Nations and various international organizations into Gaza, including food and flour.
COGAT affirmed that the Israeli military would continue allowing humanitarian aid into the enclave while ensuring it does not reach Hamas. In response, Hamas refuted claims that it misappropriates aid, asserting that Israel is employing hunger as a weapon against the people of Gaza.
The Gaza health ministry recently reported that since the GHF began its operations, at least 300 individuals have been killed, and over 2,600 injured near aid distribution sites. Munir Al-Bursh, the Director-General of the health ministry, poignantly remarked, “These are not humanitarian aid; these are traps for the poor and the hungry, under the watch of occupation planes.” He further emphasized on social media, stating, “Aid distributed under fire isn’t aid; it is humiliation.”
This ongoing conflict in Gaza initiated 20 months ago when Hamas-led militants conducted a raid into Israel, taking 251 hostages and resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, on October 7, 2023. Since then, Israel’s military offensive has reportedly claimed nearly 55,000 Palestinian lives, the majority of whom are civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Today, a significant portion of the population is displaced, with widespread malnutrition increasingly becoming a pressing humanitarian crisis.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
