51 Palestinians Killed By Israeli Troops At Gaza Aid Site

Eyewitnesses and rescue workers report that Israeli forces shot and killed over 51 Palestinians and left many others wounded close to an area in southern Gaza where food aid was being distributed.

According to the local civil defence office operated by Hamas, Israeli soldiers opened fire on the large crowds gathered around the aid distribution point in Khan Younis. Reports suggest that more than 200 individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

The Israeli military has stated that it is “looking into the reports”.

This incident marks one of the deadliest among the frequent shootings occurring near Gaza’s food distribution areas in recent times.

Eyewitnesses explained that Israeli forces launched shells and gunfire towards a junction situated east of Khan Younis, where masses of Palestinians were queuing in hopes of receiving flour from a distribution centre associated with the World Food Programme. The location also contains a nearby kitchen intended to serve the community.

A local reporter, along with other witnesses, described how two missiles were fired from Israeli drones, soon followed by a tank shell launched from a position estimated to be about 400 to 500 meters away from the gathered crowd. These explosions reportedly resulted in numerous casualties.

The people had gathered close to a main roadway leading toward Bani Suheila, a location that has been subjected to continuous Israeli military activities for several weeks.

Nasser Hospital, the region’s primary medical centre, has been flooded with injured victims from the incident. Due to extreme overcrowding, many of the wounded have been laid on the floor while medical teams work to treat them.

In its official response, the Israeli military stated, “a gathering was identified adjacent to an aid distribution truck that got stuck in the area of Khan Younis, and in proximity to IDF troops operating in the area.”

The military also acknowledged it was “aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals from IDF fire following the crowd’s approach” and noted that the matter was being reviewed.

Earlier in the week, the UN’s top human rights official, Volker Turk, condemned Israel’s actions regarding the handling of food resources, calling for a thorough inquiry into such shootings at food aid locations.

While speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, he said: “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.”