31 Killed Near Gaza Aid Site Amid Conflicting Accounts

At least 31 people were reported dead and over 150 injured following alleged Israeli gunfire near humanitarian aid distribution centers in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry and local medical sources.

The reported incidents occurred in different parts of Gaza, including one early Sunday morning in Rafah where people had gathered to receive aid. Another event was reported near a separate aid center in central Gaza, with at least 14 injuries noted.

However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the organization managing the aid efforts, denied any such incidents occurred near their distribution points, suggesting that the reports were misinformation propagated by Hamas.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also rejected the claims. An initial military review stated that no IDF personnel fired on civilians in or around any aid centers. “False allegations have circulated about Israeli fire at aid sites in Gaza. Initial findings show our forces did not shoot at civilians near the humanitarian aid locations,” the IDF said in a statement.

Despite these denials, the situation remained murky by Sunday evening. Medical personnel at Nasser Hospital informed the BBC that roughly 200 people had been admitted with injuries, many caused by bullets or shrapnel. Some were transported to medical facilities using donkey carts, due to restricted access to the area.

The BBC reviewed footage showing bodies being carried on carts and in truck beds, with Gaza’s health ministry confirming the arrival of over 200 casualties, including 31 dead. British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians reported that most of the injured brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis had sustained gunshot wounds, many to the head or chest.

Dr. Victoria Rose, a British surgeon working at the hospital, recorded a video showing the crowded wards, stating that all the beds were filled with patients suffering from gunshot injuries.

Despite the reports, the GHF continued to maintain that no violence occurred at their distribution centers. Meanwhile, an Israeli soldier stationed in Rafah told the BBC that shots were fired near a crowd but claimed that no individuals were directly targeted or hit.

The IDF accused Hamas of deliberately interfering with aid efforts in Gaza, stating, “Hamas continues to jeopardize humanitarian operations to tighten its grip on the region. The organization deliberately endangers civilians.”

Mohammed Ghareeb, a journalist in Rafah, provided a different account, saying that Palestinian civilians had gathered near a GHF aid site when Israeli tanks approached and opened fire. “The dead and wounded lay unattended for a long time as rescue services couldn’t reach the scene,” he told the BBC.

Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defence, told AFP that over 100 people were injured by Israeli gunfire as thousands gathered for aid.

These developments further highlight the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where ongoing Israeli operations have disrupted aid deliveries and emergency response efforts. The World Food Programme noted chaotic scenes over the weekend as crowds rushed incoming aid trucks out of desperation.

The GHF, which was established with backing from the US and Israel, has claimed to distribute 4.7 million meals across Gaza, although this figure remains unverified due to restricted access to the region.

This incident comes as the US attempts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. On Saturday, Hamas responded to a US proposal by offering to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased ones in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, Hamas reiterated demands for a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and assured humanitarian aid access—conditions not included in the current US draft.

US envoy Steve Witkoff, who authored the proposal, criticized Hamas’s response as a setback, stating that the American plan remains the best chance to secure a 60-day ceasefire agreement soon.

The conflict was sparked by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry claims over 54,400 people have died.

Source: BBC

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Israel Gaza Conflict