Dozens of Palestinians have been killed while trying to access aid in Gaza, hospitals say. The deaths occurred near two distribution sites run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Netzarim corridor.
Hamas-run Civil Defence agencies reported that Israeli forces opened fire, sparking clashes with Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, the GHF said over 43,000 food parcels were handed out at its three distribution centres “without incident” on Wednesday.
However, the aid mechanism run by the GHF has been marred by deadly incidents almost every day since it began operating on May 26. Gaza’s health ministry reported 223 people killed while trying to reach aid distribution areas over two weeks.
UN agencies and other aid groups have refused to co-operate with the GHF, citing concerns about its system contravening humanitarian principles. The US and Israel say the GHF’s system prevents aid from being stolen by Hamas, but the UN disagrees.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been able to deliver small amounts of food and aid since Israel eased its blockade on May 19. However, convoys have often been delayed or denied due to expanded military operations.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos as Palestinian men rush for food, with some being crushed by lorries or shot by Palestinians. The Israeli military says it fired warning shots towards suspects approaching troops.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with much of the aid distribution system on the brink of collapse. The UN warns that Gaza’s population faces catastrophic levels of hunger after an almost three-month blockade.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mg4ld5951o