The Israel Defense Forces are currently investigating reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent and eyewitnesses that over 100 people were killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for food from aid trucks. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has confirmed that at least 104 individuals were killed, with 760 others injured in the incident that took place on Al Rashid Street in western Gaza City.
The situation in northern Gaza has become increasingly dire, with approximately half a million people on the verge of famine. Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of people surrounded aid trucks that had just arrived in the area, as very few trucks have been able to access northern Gaza in recent weeks. Israeli military forces, including tanks and drones, allegedly opened fire on the crowds, resulting in casualties.
According to the Israeli military, Gazan residents surrounded the trucks and looted the supplies, leading to injuries caused by pushing and trampling. They claim that the crowd posed a threat to the troops, prompting a response with live fire. The military has stated that the incident is under review.
This tragic event highlights the desperate circumstances faced by the people of Northern Gaza, where access to humanitarian aid is limited, and security for aid deliveries is lacking. The lack of protection for aid trucks has been exacerbated by Israeli military actions targeting police forces accompanying the convoys in the past.
The loss of over a hundred lives in the pursuit of essential food aid underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As more details emerge, further updates on the situation are expected in the coming hours.
