Israeli Fire Claims Lives of 12 Palestinians Near Aid Distribution Points in Gaza

Israeli gunfire resulted in at least 12 fatalities and several injuries as people moved towards two aid distribution centres in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian health officials and witnesses. The centres are managed by a group supported by Israel and the US. The Israeli military stated that warning shots were fired at individuals approaching their forces.

Over the past two weeks, shootings have frequently occurred near these new aid hubs. Thousands of Palestinians, desperate after 20 months of conflict, gather there for food. Witnesses report that Israeli troops have opened fire nearby, resulting in over 80 deaths, as confirmed by Gaza hospital officials.

Military Actions and Casualties

In the last 24 hours, at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry. The Israeli military reported striking numerous militant targets across Gaza during this period. Eleven of the latest casualties were taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

Palestinian witnesses claimed that Israeli forces fired on individuals near a roundabout about a kilometre from a site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah. The military stated that warning shots were directed at "suspects" who ignored warnings in an area considered an active combat zone at night.

Witness Accounts and Safety Concerns

Al-Awda Hospital received one body and treated 29 wounded individuals near another GHF aid distribution point in central Gaza. The military mentioned firing warning shots around 6:40 am but reported no casualties. A GHF official stated there was no violence at their sites, which delivered aid on Sunday after temporarily closing last week for safety discussions with Israel's military.

The new aid hubs are located within Israeli military zones, inaccessible to independent media. GHF is also testing direct delivery to a community north of Rafah. Witnesses expressed fear for their safety, recounting early morning shootings when they approached the site for food before crowds gathered.

Aid Distribution Challenges

Gaza's approximately 2 million residents rely heavily on international aid due to destroyed food production capabilities. Adham Dahman, injured with a chin bandage at Nasser Hospital, described a tank firing at them. "We didn't know how to escape," he said, calling it a trap rather than aid.

Zahed Ben Hassan recounted someone being shot next to him despite assurances of safety from 6 am to 6 pm. "There was light out, and they have their cameras and can clearly see us," he said. The military had announced these hours for site access, declaring the areas closed military zones otherwise.

International Aid System Under Scrutiny

The new aid hubs are managed by GHF, primarily composed of American contractors. Israel aims for this system to replace one coordinated by the UN and international groups. Israel and the US accuse Hamas of diverting aid, while the UN denies systematic diversion.

The UN claims the new system fails to meet growing needs and allows Israel to control aid distribution by determining recipients and forcing relocations near aid sites. Despite eased blockades last month, UN efforts are hindered by Israeli restrictions, lawlessness, and looting.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

Experts warned earlier this year of famine risk in Gaza if Israel didn't lift its blockade or halt its military campaign. Both actions resumed in March. Israeli officials insist their offensive will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed.

On Sunday, Israel invited journalists into Khan Younis to display a tunnel under the European Hospital where Mohammed Sinwar's body was found after his death last month. "Israeli forces would prefer not to hit or target hospitals," said army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.

Hostage Negotiations Stalled

Hamas demands prisoner exchanges, a lasting ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza for hostage release. Talks mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar remain deadlocked. Hamas initiated the war with an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 54,800 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza's Health Ministry; women and children comprise most victims without specifying civilian or combatant numbers. Israel claims over 20,000 militants killed but provides no evidence.

The war has devastated vast areas of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its population.

With inputs from PTI