Tragic Attack Near Aid Distribution Site in Gaza
On Sunday morning, an Israeli military operation near an aid distribution centre in the southern city of Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least 22 Palestinians, with over 120 wounded, including children. The incident occurred close to a US-backed humanitarian aid centre, highlighting the volatility surrounding aid deliveries in the war-torn region.
Details of the Incident
According to Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal, Israeli fire targeted the vicinity of one of the aid centres, causing substantial civilian casualties. Images from the scene depicted civilians transporting the deceased on makeshift means such as donkey carts, while others carried aid supplies amid the chaos. The injured were rushed to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis for emergency treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos and Violence
Displaced residents described a harrowing scene at the aid centre. Sameh Hamuda, a 33-year-old who waited in line for aid, recounted how armed drones and tank fire suddenly unleashed an attack on the crowd. "Several people were killed right in front of me," he said. Another witness, Abdullah Barbakh, described the area as engulfed in "chaos, screaming, and overcrowding," questioning the rationale behind summoning civilians to distribution points only to open fire.
Military Response and Ongoing Investigations
The Israeli military stated it was currently reviewing the incident and denied immediate knowledge of injuries caused by their forces at the aid site. Additionally, separate reports indicated that one person was killed and others wounded by gunfire near another aid location in central Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict
Gaza faces dire humanitarian challenges. After more than two months of a stringent blockade, essential aid supplies remain severely limited. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed organisation created to expedite aid distribution circumventing the United Nations’ established mechanisms, has supplied over 2.1 million meals since last week. However, distribution efforts have been marred by disorder and violence, raising concerns among international observers.
The UN and major aid groups have refused to collaborate with the GHF, citing violations of fundamental humanitarian principles and suggesting it aligns with Israeli military interests. Despite this, the pressing humanitarian need remains acute, with the UN describing Gaza as "the hungriest place on earth."
Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire Negotiations
Nearly 20 months into the conflict, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have yet to yield a lasting resolution. The latest US-backed ceasefire proposal was met with mixed responses. Hamas indicated a positive stance but emphasized the necessity of establishing a permanent ceasefire, a key point of contention with Israel.
US envoy Steve Witkoff criticized Hamas's response as "totally unacceptable" and urged the group to accept the framework to facilitate a potential 60-day ceasefire deal. This deal could allow the return of hostages and pave the way for substantive peace negotiations. Out of 251 hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 attack, 57 remain captive in Gaza, with 34 confirmed deceased by Israeli military sources.
Conflict Toll and Human Impact
- Death toll in Gaza: At least 4,117 people killed since March 18 offensive
- Total casualties: Approximately 54,381, mostly civilians
- Israeli casualties from Hamas attack: 1,218 dead, predominantly civilians
This latest attack near a humanitarian aid site underscores the profound challenges faced by civilians caught between ongoing military operations and critical aid needs. Efforts to deliver assistance continue amid escalating violence and political stalemates.
