At least 26 Palestinians have lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries following an incident on Sunday when Israeli forces opened fire near a southern Gaza aid distribution center operated by a contentious US-backed organization, as reported by the Palestine Red Crescent Society and a local hospital.
A paramedic from the PRCS reported that crowds of citizens were gathering to receive food aid in the Rafah area when Israeli forces opened fire.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that hospitals have admitted 179 casualties, which include fatalities and 30 individuals with critical injuries.
“Emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units are facing significant overcrowding as a result of the high volume of injured individuals,” it stated.
The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, reported that over 80 individuals sustained injuries. The hospital has officially reported a death toll of 26 individuals.
In a concise reply to a CNN inquiry, the Israel Defence Forces stated that it was “unaware of injuries caused by IDF fire within the Humanitarian Aid distribution site.” ” The issue remains subject to ongoing examination.
The GHF operates as a private entity with support from both Israel and the United States. The establishment occurred in the context of Israeli allegations that Hamas is misappropriating aid in Gaza and profiting from its sale. Humanitarian organizations assert that there is a lack of evidence supporting this claim, while Israel has not made any public evidence available.
United Nations aid agencies have expressed concerns regarding the GHF’s aid mechanism, asserting that it contravenes humanitarian principles and heightens risks for Palestinians.
United Nations aid organizations, including UNRWA, generally verify identification and use a database of registered families when distributing assistance.
Despite claims from Israeli officials that enhanced security measures were a primary justification for the establishment of the new program, the GHF is not conducting screenings of Palestinians at aid distribution sites.
Criticism is intensifying towards both Israel and the GHF following the outbreak of chaos last week, as tens of thousands of starving Palestinians converged on two newly established food distribution sites.
Data released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health prior to Sunday’s incident indicates that 11 individuals have lost their lives, and dozens more have sustained injuries since the commencement of aid distribution at various sites. On Thursday, the GHF reported that there have been no fatalities or injuries since the commencement of aid distribution last week.
On Sunday, the GHF released a statement indicating its intention to “continue scaling, with plans to build additional sites across Gaza, including in the northern region, in the weeks ahead.”
The statement reported that over 4.7 million meals had been provided within six days, highlighting the delivery of 16 truckloads of food on Sunday morning, which accounted for more than 887,000 meals.
A statement indicated that aid was distributed ” without incident,” while the group acknowledged being ” aware of rumors being actively fomented by Hamas suggesting deaths and injuries today.”
Nevertheless, the situation on the ground presents a complex scenario, as reports suggest that the distribution of aid may not be as accurate as claimed.
The GHF has asserted that the allegations of ” deaths, mass injuries, and chaos” occurring at its locations are ” false.”
The statement declared, “They are untrue and fabricated.”
