Israeli Forces Kill At Least 27 People On Their Way To Aid Site In Gaza

Israeli forces in Gaza shot at individuals heading to an aid distribution site, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, as confirmed by Palestinian health officials and witnesses. This incident marked the third such shooting in three days. The army stated that it fired at “several individual suspects” who deviated from the assigned path, approached their forces, and disregarded warning shots.

The shootings occurred following the establishment of aid distribution points by an Israeli and U.S.-backed foundation within Israeli military zones, with the aim of bypassing Hamas. The United Nations criticized this new system, stating that it fails to address Gaza’s increasing hunger crisis and allows Israel to weaponize aid.

The Israeli military defended its actions, stating that it fired to disperse suspects and that the reported casualty numbers by Hamas were exaggerated. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation overseeing the sites mentioned that there was no violence within or around the distribution sites. However, the Israeli military was investigating an incident where civilians moved beyond the safe corridor into a closed military zone.

The Gaza Strip’s population heavily relies on international aid due to Israel’s destruction of food production capabilities, with a blockade on supplies being lifted only recently. The situation has raised concerns about access to aid and the humanitarian crisis in the region.