Reports have emerged from Gaza health workers indicating that four Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire while en route to an aid distribution centre, raising further concerns over the safety of humanitarian missions in the region.
Tragedy Strikes Gaza as Four Killed by Israeli Gunfire Near Aid Distribution Centre
Tragedy Strikes Gaza as Four Killed by Israeli Gunfire Near Aid Distribution Centre
Health workers report fatalities as tensions escalate around humanitarian efforts in Gaza's Rafah.
At least four Palestinians have been reported killed after being shot by Israeli forces while approaching a new aid distribution centre in Gaza, according to health workers. This incident, occurring shortly before dawn near Rafah, adds to a series of violent events that have been associated with humanitarian aid efforts. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded by stating that they had issued verbal warnings and fired warning shots at individuals they deemed a threat.
The recent casualties came as crowds gathered at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site, hoping for food provisions. One grieving wife recounted how her husband was shot in the head while he waited to collect supplies for their family. The IDF announced that Palestinians could only access GHF distribution points between 06:00 and 18:00 local time, deeming other times an "active combat zone."
Following a three-month blockade, Israel has begun allowing limited aid into Gaza, channeling resources through the GHF, which is supported by both Israel and the US. However, the foundation's inaugural days faced issues; within the first week, reports indicated over 60 Palestinians died from gunfire amid the aid distribution process. Eyewitness accounts have consistently cited Israeli soldiers as responsible for these fatalities.
On Saturday, the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency confirmed that six more Palestinians were killed due to Israeli gunfire, with the IDF reiterating its stance that the troops fired warning shots at suspected individuals advancing menacingly. This ongoing violence near aid sites continues to provoke growing criticism of Israel's new aid strategy, casting serious doubts on its humanitarian impact in the conflict-stricken region.
