The Gaza civil defense agency reported a tragic incident on Tuesday, with claims that 15 individuals lost their lives when Israeli forces opened fire on civilians attempting to access a food distribution center. This incident has highlighted the continuing humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defense agency, 12 people were killed when Israeli quadcopters targeted a crowd waiting at a distribution point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in central Gaza early Tuesday morning. Bassal further stated that between 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the same day, three others were killed by Israeli fire and shelling in the north of Wadi Gaza as they awaited entry into the same center.
“Several thousand civilians and hungry individuals had gathered in the hope of reaching the American aid center near the Wadi Gaza bridge and the Netzarim corridor,” Bassal elaborated. The Netzarim corridor, a heavily militarized area, divides Gaza and has become a critical point for those seeking assistance.
In response to the escalating situation, the Israeli military acknowledged firing “warning shots” intended to deter individuals they viewed as threats in the Wadi Gaza area. They maintained, however, that the number of reported casualties did not align with their accounts. The army explained that the shots were directed at suspects who approached the troops, and occurred hundreds of meters away from the aid distribution site prior to its opening.
Despite the Israeli military’s statements, the specifics of the incident remain contested. Al-Awda hospital, located in the Nuseirat camp, reported receiving three bodies along with around 100 wounded individuals as a direct result of the violence near the Wadi Gaza bridge.
The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn increasing international scrutiny, with protests focused on the dire conditions faced by civilians. The GHF began its aid distribution operations on May 27, serving as a crucial lifeline amidst worsening circumstances.
Given the restrictions on media reporting in the Gaza Strip and the challenges of verifying information on the ground, these tragic figures remain difficult to confirm independently. As the region continues to grapple with violence and humanitarian issues, the need for transparency and support has never been more urgent.
