Gaza: Israeli Fire Kills 27 Near Aid Center, Sparks Condemnation

Gaza: Israeli Fire Kills 27 Near Aid Center, Sparks Condemnation

Tragedy struck southern Gaza on Tuesday as 27 people were killed when Israeli forces opened fire near a US-supported aid distribution point. The incident, now under investigation by the Israeli military, has drawn international condemnation.

International Response

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the deaths of Palestinians seeking food aid "unacceptable," echoing concerns raised by the UN rights chief, who deemed attacks on civilians as potential war crimes, referencing a similar event days prior.

Details of the Incident

According to Gaza's civil defense agency, the casualties occurred in the Al-Alam area of Rafah, where civilians were awaiting American aid. While reports indicate Israeli forces used tanks and drones, the Israeli military claims troops targeted "suspects" after warning shots were ignored. The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the death toll, emphasizing the unprecedented frequency and scale of mass casualty events in Gaza.

Aid Distribution and Concerns

The incident occurred near a center managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). While the UN and other aid groups have avoided cooperation with GHF due to concerns about its alignment with Israeli military objectives, GHF asserts its operations proceeded safely on Tuesday. The White House has stated it is investigating the reports from Rafah.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The recent events compound the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is grappling with severe shortages following a prolonged blockade.