Tragedy in Gaza: 12 Palestinians Killed Awaiting Aid Amidst Ongoing Violence

As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, at least twelve Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The incident highlights the dire humanitarian situation, with many casualties occurring during aid distributions amid claims of violence from both sides.

At least 12 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces while awaiting humanitarian aid in central Gaza, according to local rescuers and medical personnel. Eyewitness accounts claim the victims were targeted near an aid distribution site operated by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Despite these reports, the GHF has categorically denied any incidents near its facilities, while the Israeli military stated that soldiers fired warning shots after “suspects” approached their forces close to the Netzarim area. The military claimed it was not aware of any injuries resulting from the confrontation.

This tragedy marks the latest in an escalating series of violent incidents at aid sites as hundreds of Palestinians have lost their lives since GHF began managing aid distribution in Gaza five months ago, aiming to circumvent the UN as the primary aid supplier.

Gaza's health ministry confirmed that twelve people died seeking assistance on Thursday alone, but did not provide specific details concerning the incident. The Hamas-run civil defense agency, responsible for responding to emergencies in the region, reported that at least 15 people were killed and around 60 more injured nearby during the same event, with difficulties in reporting verified due to restrictions on international news organizations in Gaza.

Witness Bassam Abu Shaar recounted to AFP how thousands of individuals had congregated overnight at the GHF's distribution site, describing a chaotic scene as Israeli forces opened fire around 1:00 AM local time. "We couldn't help them or even escape ourselves," he lamented.

In its response, the GHF rebuked the health ministry’s claims as "false and misleading." Meanwhile, the Israeli military indicated a concern regarding individuals approaching their soldiers in a threatening manner.

In light of escalating conflicts, Hamas issued a call for the UN to oversee aid distribution in Gaza, citing concerns over neutrality and the need for impartial humanitarian assistance, as the new system operated by GHF has been met with criticism from several aid groups.

More distressing news surfaced as civil defense teams reported recovering numerous bodies across the Gaza Strip, including victims of Israeli shelling that left seven deceased in a Jabalia refugee camp after a tent housing displaced civilians was struck, representing another tragic consequence of the ongoing warfare.

Since the onset of this intensified military operation in Gaza following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, at least 55,637 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The crisis continues to deepen, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in the region, with aid desperately needed for the teeming population facing extreme shortages and starvation amidst the blockade.