Dozens Dead as Israeli Forces Fire on Aid Seekers in Gaza

Israeli military claims unspecified threats, while local officials report high casualties.

Israeli forces launched a deadly attack in northern Gaza yesterday, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians who had gathered to receive humanitarian aid from U.N. trucks. According to the Gaza health ministry and medical personnel, over 60 individuals lost their lives during the incident near the Zikim crossing, with more than 100 others wounded in the chaos that ensued.

The Israeli military stated that its soldiers had discharged warning shots and only fired upon what they deemed an “immediate threat,” without providing specific details on the nature of the threat. They further mentioned that the casualty figures reported do not match their internal assessments and that they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The U.N. World Food Program reported that a convoy of 25 trucks carrying vital food supplies was making its way into northern Gaza when it encountered a large group of anxious civilians awaiting access to the much-needed resources. As the convoy approached, the crowd reportedly came under fire from Israeli tanks and snipers.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid distribution plagued by chaos and an alarming rise in hunger among the Palestinian population. Reports indicate that Israeli soldiers have repeatedly fired near large gatherings of people seeking food and assistance, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian crisis.