Gaza Aid Site Crush: Dozens Killed at US-Backed Distribution Center
A chaotic scene at a US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution site in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people.
Conflicting Accounts of the Tragedy
According to the GHF, 19 individuals were trampled to death, and another was stabbed amidst the pandemonium. The organization alleges that Hamas-affiliated individuals instigated the unrest. However, the Hamas-run Government Media Office denies these claims, accusing the GHF of a cover-up.
Nasser Hospital reported receiving 21 bodies, attributing the deaths to suffocation from tear gas and the crush. This marks the first confirmed fatalities at a GHF aid site.
Witness Testimonies and Accusations
Witness accounts and video evidence depict a harrowing situation where individuals were crushed between fences while awaiting food. Some injured individuals reported that contractors closed gates, leading to increased pressure and trampling. Accusations have surfaced against security contractors for firing tear gas and live rounds into the crowd.
The GHF refutes the use of tear gas or live ammunition, stating that pepper spray was used only to prevent further casualties and that an American worker rescued a child from the crowd.
GHF Blames Hamas, UN Calls for Aid Access
At a press briefing, a GHF spokesperson stated that the deadly incident was instigated by armed Hamas operatives infiltrating the crowd. The GHF uses private security to distribute aid in Israeli military zones, a system meant to prevent Hamas from stealing aid. The UN has criticized this arrangement.
Since May, there have been numerous reports of Palestinians killed while seeking aid, with witnesses often attributing the shootings to Israeli forces. The UN human rights office reports hundreds of killings near GHF sites and along aid convoy routes. The office has called on Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid access, while Israel acknowledges civilian harm and aims to minimize friction.
