Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Gaza Aid Hub
Israeli forces opened fire early Monday near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians and injuring dozens more, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses. The incident occurred approximately one kilometer from the humanitarian aid site, which is operated by a foundation backed by the United States and Israel.
The military stated that warning shots were fired toward a group they described as "suspects" who approached their position. This marks the second consecutive day of such confrontations at the same location, with crowds heading toward the aid distribution point.
Details of the Incident
The Israeli military clarified that the shots were fired at individuals advancing toward their forces, perceived as a threat, around 1,000 yards from the aid site during a period when the distribution point was closed. They denied intentionally blocking access to the site for civilians.
Health facilities in the area reported receiving numerous casualties. A Red Cross field hospital treated 50 wounded individuals, including two who were deceased upon arrival, primarily suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed receiving a third fatality.
One victim, 21-year-old Moataz al-Feirani, recounted being shot in the leg while walking with thousands of others toward the distribution center. He described Israeli forces opening fire near a roundabout early in the morning, while drones recorded the crowd.
Recurring Violence at Aid Site
The previous day saw even more violence when Israeli forces reportedly fired on crowds nearing the aid hub, resulting in at least 31 deaths and over 170 injuries. Eyewitnesses said Israeli troops ordered crowds to disperse before opening fire at around 3 a.m.
The aid foundation operating the distribution site has denied reports of any gunfire or chaos at their locations, asserting that aid deliveries took place without incident on both days. It has warned recipients to remain on designated routes to ensure safety, emphasizing the presence of Israeli troops along these paths.
Humanitarian Concerns and Response
The United Nations and major humanitarian organizations have criticized the new aid distribution system enacted by Israel and the U.S.-backed foundation. They argue that it violates established humanitarian principles by giving Israel control over aid allocation and forcing Palestinians to travel long distances, often passing near military checkpoints, to access assistance.
Experts warn of a worsening food crisis in Gaza, home to nearly two million people, exacerbated by the Israeli blockade that was only marginally relaxed recently.
U.N. Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the deaths of Palestinians seeking aid and called for an independent investigation into the events. He highlighted the unacceptable reality of civilians risking their lives for essential food supplies.
Additional Military Strikes and Casualties
Separately, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in northern Gaza's Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 14 people, including women and children, according to hospital reports. The Israeli military described the strikes as operations against "terror targets" without providing specific details.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian boy in the village of Sinjil. Israeli officials stated that troops responded after an individual threw projectiles containing a hazardous substance.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
The violence occurs amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023 when Palestinian militants attacked Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking. The conflict has since escalated, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily women and children. The reliability of casualty figures is generally accepted by international bodies, though Israel disputes some counts.
Hamas continues to hold dozens of hostages, demanding prisoner exchanges, a ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal. Israel remains resolute in its campaign, aiming to defeat or disarm Hamas and maintain control over Gaza, proposing plans for population relocation that have been widely rejected as forced displacement by Palestinians and the international community.
