According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 32 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution centers in southern Gaza, sparking further debate on the impact of military actions on aid efforts and the worsening humanitarian situation.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza: Reports of Israeli Gunfire at Aid Distribution Points
Rising Death Toll in Gaza: Reports of Israeli Gunfire at Aid Distribution Points
A recent incident near Gaza aid sites leads to casualties among Palestinians, raising questions about military engagement and the humanitarian crisis in the region.
At least 32 Palestinians seeking essential food supplies have been reported killed by Israeli gunfire near two aid distribution centers close to Khan Younis and Rafah, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas. Dozens more are reported injured in the vicinity of these sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the US and Israel.
The GHF, however, issued a statement denying any violent incidents occurred at its locations, noting there was "IDF activity" prior to the aid distribution. Eyewitness accounts have exacerbated tensions, with one observer claiming the Israeli fire appeared deliberately lethal rather than a method of crowd control.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, as reports emerge daily of fatalities among Palestinians who attempt to access humanitarian aid since the GHF became operational in late May. Witnesses maintain that many of these individuals have fallen victim to gunfire from Israeli forces.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) countered these claims by stating that their troops fired warning shots to deter "suspects" prior to the distribution. Mohammed Al-Khalidi shared with Reuters that the military engaged in hostile actions shortly after he and other Palestinians were informed that the GHF facility was open for aid distribution.
The GHF employs private security firms to operate its humanitarian programs within what are deemed Israeli military zones, claiming such measures are crucial to prevent Hamas from misappropriating the aid. However, the United Nations has refused to collaborate with this setup, branding it as unethical and criticizing the lack of proof supporting claims of Hamas diverting aid resources.
The UN reported on July 15 that 674 deaths had been documented around the GHF's operational sites in southern and central Gaza over the six-week period. An additionally alarming figure was given concerning aid convoy routes, which recorded 201 more fatalities. The GHF, however, asserts that the UN's statistics misrepresent the reality and branding the figures as unreliable.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, Israeli restrictions on food entering Gaza since March have led to a dramatic increase in child malnutrition cases, as noted by UN officials. Despite the establishment of the GHF, substantial quantities of necessary supplies, including infant formula, continue to face blockages at border crossings.
On Friday, medical personnel at a local field hospital indicated an unprecedented rise in patients suffering from severe dehydration, malnutrition, and overall exhaustion. The Hamas government communication office reported that 69 children have died due to malnutrition amidst the escalating crisis.
In a broader context, US President Donald Trump hinted at a potentially imminent ceasefire agreement. However, Palestinian officials have stated that negotiations remain obstructed, particularly with perceived unacceptable troop withdrawal proposals from Israel, illustrating the complex landscape of the ongoing conflict in the region.
