Tragedy Strikes: 20 Dead in Aid Distribution Chaos in Gaza

At least 20 people were killed in a chaotic incident at an aid distribution site run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, igniting tensions between the organization and Hamas. Eyewitnesses describe a harrowing scene as the crowd surged, leading to deaths by suffocation, trampling, and a stabbing.

At least 20 people have tragically lost their lives due to a chaotic crush at an aid distribution center in southern Gaza, operated by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). According to the GHF and local hospitals, the casualties included 19 individuals trampled in the mayhem and one stabbed.

The incident occurred in the Khan Younis area, where the GHF alleges that armed individuals associated with Hamas were responsible for escalating the unrest. However, the Hamas-run Government Media Office has vehemently denied these allegations, accusing the GHF of attempting to obscure its responsibility for the tragedy.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed the death of 21 individuals who succumbed to suffocation caused by tear gas inhalation and a crush at the site. This event marks the first time the GHF has acknowledged casualties at one of its aid facilities.

In a disturbing video circulated on social media and verified by the BBC, a witness described the harrowing scene at Nasser Hospital, where six bodies were laid out. A man, visibly distraught, challenged the notion that these young victims were at fault for dying in pursuit of aid. "What happened was that at the door of the aid site, the foreigners made a fence," he stated, pointing out that the young boys who crowded at the front were trampled when the surge occurred.

One of the injured, Mahmoud Fojo, 21, recounted that when he arrived at the GHF site, contractors were closing the gates, causing panic as a throng of people pressed forward. "Those who couldn't stand fell under the people and were crushed," he recounted, highlighting the tragic events that unfolded in a desperate quest for aid.

Another witness, Ahmed Abu Omra, reported that contractors positioned by the narrow exits had discharged "pepper bombs," exacerbating the chaos. The Government Media Office contended that the tragedy was caused by these security contractors closing the gates after thousands surged into constrained spaces while deploying tear gas and live ammunition.

In contrast, GHF representatives dismissed these claims, asserting that tear gas had never been used and that minimal pepper spray was applied solely to prevent further loss of life. They noted a heroic attempt by an American worker who risked themselves to rescue a child caught in the crowd.

Following the incident, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay described the unfortunate event as being instigated by armed operatives from Hamas. He claimed the individual who was stabbed was a medic trying to assist amidst the turmoil.

The GHF employs private security contractors for aid distribution in areas deemed military zones by Israel. While the Israeli and US governments argue that this system is essential to prevent Hamas from seizing supplies, the United Nations has refused to work with the GHF, citing ethical concerns.

Reports of civilian casualties while seeking aid have increased since the GHF began its operations in late May, with many deaths attributed to Israeli forces. The UN’s human rights office has acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the severe shortage of essential aid and calling for increased access to necessary humanitarian resources.

In light of the ongoing strife, the UN continues to document fatalities near GHF distribution sites, lodging appeals for greater humanitarian support to alleviate growing desperation among the civilian population in Gaza.