A deadly incident occurred near a Gaza aid distribution centre on Saturday, leaving six Palestinians dead and several others wounded. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported that people had gathered to collect food supplies when shooting started.
Eyewitnesses say the Israelis opened fire when people tried to advance towards the site. However, the Israeli military claims it fired warning shots at suspects approaching them in a threatening manner.
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the centre, has paused operations due to overcrowding and safety concerns. Despite this, people have gathered daily at a nearby roundabout to reach the aid site.
In another incident on Friday, Israeli air strikes killed at least 15 people in Gaza city, with some trapped under rubble. The Israelis claimed it eliminated the head of a Palestinian militant group, while accusing the group of killing victims in Hamas-led attacks.
The distribution centre has been embroiled in controversy since its operation began three months ago. Multiple witnesses blamed Israeli soldiers for killings over three days, and medics reported 60 Palestinians killed by gunfire.
The GHF’s system aims to circumvent the UN, which Israel accuses of failing to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies to its fighters. The UN denies these allegations, stating it can account for all aid handed out.
This incident strengthens international criticism of the new distribution model, with the UN insisting it puts Palestinians in danger and does not provide enough food and medicine for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5evz4xdklo