At least 27 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli gunfire while trying to collect aid near a distribution center in Gaza. This tragic event occurred when civilians were reportedly fired upon by tanks, drones, and helicopters close to the al-Alam roundabout, which is about a kilometer from the aid site.
According to Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for Gaza’s Civil Defence agency, the incident happened early Tuesday morning. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted unexpectedly. Many were attempting to gather supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group that has recently taken over aid distribution in the area.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops fired shots after identifying individuals who deviated from designated access routes. They claimed that the warning shots were aimed at suspects who posed a threat. However, this contradicts accounts from numerous witnesses and health officials who reported that civilians were simply trying to receive aid.
The director of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving 24 dead and 37 wounded, all with gunshot injuries. A foreign medic working in the vicinity described the situation as "total carnage," indicating that medical staff were overwhelmed by the number of casualties.
Witnesses recounted harrowing experiences. One individual shared that as they approached the aid center, gunfire began from multiple directions, forcing them to seek cover. Another displaced person mentioned that they were informed by the Israeli Army that aid would be available, but upon arrival, they found themselves caught in a deadly crossfire.
The GHF, which has been criticized for its aid distribution methods, stated that while their site operated safely, they were aware of an investigation regarding civilian injuries that occurred outside their designated area. This new aid system has faced backlash for its reliance on military control and for forcing Palestinians to travel long distances to collect supplies.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed concern over the ongoing violence at aid distribution sites, stating that Palestinians are faced with a grim choice: risk their lives for food or starve. The situation has drawn international attention, with calls for an independent investigation into these incidents.
This incident is part of a broader context of escalating violence in Gaza, where the ongoing military campaign has resulted in significant casualties since October 2023. Reports indicate that over 54,000 people have died in Gaza, with the humanitarian situation worsening as aid distribution becomes increasingly dangerous.