At least 31 people lost their lives and over 170 were injured in the Gaza Strip on Sunday while trying to receive food aid, according to health officials and eyewitnesses. The tragic incident occurred when Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on crowds approximately one kilometer away from a new aid distribution site operated by an Israeli-backed foundation.
Israel’s military has stated that its forces did not target civilians near or at the site, citing an initial investigation. However, this claim contradicts accounts from multiple witnesses who described a chaotic scene as thousands approached the aid distribution point. Before this incident, 17 people had already been killed in similar attempts to access aid.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is overseeing the aid distribution, insisted that its operations were carried out “without incident” and dismissed reports of violence as false. They attributed any chaos to the difficult conditions surrounding aid delivery in a region under Israeli military control, where independent media access is limited.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, expressed deep concern, stating that “aid distribution has become a death trap.” He highlighted the dangers faced by those seeking food and assistance amid ongoing violence.
Witnesses reported that the crowd had gathered hours before dawn, and as they neared the distribution site, Israeli forces ordered them to disperse. Eyewitnesses described the moment of gunfire, claiming that shots came from various directions, including naval vessels and drones. One witness recounted seeing at least ten bodies with gunshot wounds.
Dr. Marwan al-Hams, a health official at Nasser Hospital, noted that many of the injured suffered wounds to the upper body, including head and neck injuries. The medical facilities are overwhelmed, with reports of 150 wounded individuals and 28 bodies arriving at the hospital.
As the situation escalated, Ibrahim Abu Saoud, another witness, described how military forces fired from a distance of about 300 meters, resulting in numerous casualties. He emphasized the desperation of the crowd, highlighting the tragic loss of life, including that of a young man who died at the scene.
An Associated Press reporter who arrived at the field hospital observed many wounded, including women and children, while others returned empty-handed from the aid site. Health officials later confirmed that at least 21 people had died and 175 were injured, but they did not specify who was responsible for the gunfire.
The recent violence comes amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has left many residents reliant on international aid. The situation has been exacerbated by a blockade that restricts access to essential supplies, leading experts to warn of a potential famine.
The conflict reignited when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and the abduction of hostages. In retaliation, Israel has conducted military operations that have reportedly resulted in over 54,000 deaths in Gaza, primarily among women and children.
As ceasefire talks continue to falter, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many people struggling to access food and basic necessities amid escalating violence.