Deadly Tank Shelling Targets Gaza Crowd Waiting for Food Aid
On Monday, Israeli tank fire struck a crowd in the Gaza Strip attempting to collect food aid, resulting in the death of at least 51 people and injuring around 200, according to medical officials. This tragic event unfolded in Khan Younis, a southern Gaza city, and stands as one of the deadliest incidents amid escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Chaos and Desperation in Khan Younis
Social media videos revealed the grim aftermath, showing numerous bodies strewn across a street. Eyewitnesses described how thousands gathered on the main eastern road in Khan Younis, hoping to receive supplies from stalled aid trucks. Suddenly, the Israeli military fired at the crowd, unleashing at least two tank shells.
One eyewitness, Alaa, recounted from Nasser Hospital where wounded victims were overflowing corridors, "No one is showing mercy to these people. They are dying, torn apart, all just trying to get flour to feed their children." The city's medical facilities struggled to cope, with casualties being transported in civilian cars, rickshaws, and even donkey carts.
Official Responses and Investigations Underway
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it fired in the area near an aid distribution truck that had become immobilized. In a statement, the IDF acknowledged reports of injuries during the crowd's approach to their troops and said the incident is under review. They expressed regret for any harm caused to civilians and emphasized efforts to minimize such damage while maintaining troop safety.
Wider Toll and Persistent Humanitarian Challenges
Medical sources reported an additional 14 fatalities from separate Israeli strikes elsewhere in Gaza on the same day, bringing the total death count to at least 65. The bloodshed highlights a disturbing trend: in recent weeks, Palestinians seeking aid have repeatedly been caught in deadly crossfire since Israel partially relaxed its long-standing blockade.
Most aid is now distributed through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the US and Israel, operating several guarded distribution points inside Gaza. However, the United Nations criticizes this system, labeling it insufficient and a breach of neutrality principles. Israel defends the approach, aiming to prevent Hamas from diverting aid supplies, an accusation Hamas denies. Gaza’s authorities report hundreds killed while trying to access GHF sites, including 23 people shot on Monday in Rafah, southern Gaza.
Meanwhile, GHF maintains it has safely distributed over three million meals at its distribution centers.
Regional Tensions Escalate with Iran’s Involvement
The conflict in Gaza, ignited in October 2023 after Hamas militants attacked Israel killing over 1,200 people and capturing hostages, has since escalated into a severe humanitarian disaster. Nearly 55,000 Palestinians have died according to Gaza’s health ministry, with millions displaced and facing severe food scarcity.
Amid ongoing violence, attention has shifted to the broader Israel-Iran conflict that erupted last week. Following major Israeli strikes, Iran launched missile attacks against Israeli cities, drawing sharp headlines and stirring complex emotions among Gaza residents.
Some locals, enduring relentless airstrikes for almost two years, expressed a grim sense of vindication seeing the destruction in Israeli cities. Saad Saad from Gaza said, "We live this pain every day. Now we see the rubble in Tel Aviv and the struggle to survive beneath it." Another resident, Taysseir Mohaissan, affirmed, "It's time for Iran to teach the Israeli occupation a lesson.""
