Four Killed in Gaza as Aid Distribution Point Becomes Site of Violence
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials and witnesses have reported that at least four individuals were killed and several others wounded by Israeli gunfire near a food aid distribution point in the Gaza Strip. The incident occurred around a kilometer from the site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organization backed by the U.S. and Israel.
According to the Israeli military, warning shots were fired at people deemed suspects who approached their forces despite orders to back away. The shooting took place in southern Gaza, identified as an active combat zone at night. Witnesses indicated that the violence erupted as many sought food aid early in the morning, amidst the ongoing crisis that has seen over 80 fatalities in similar incidents in recent weeks.
Victims were taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which confirmed the death toll. One witness, Adham Dahman, described the chaos and danger, stating, “We didn’t know how to escape. This is a trap for us, not aid.” As the situation escalates, fears of famine loom over Gaza, where mounting humanitarian needs remain unmet.
The aid hubs, located within Israeli military zones, have been set up amid accusations from Israel and the United States that Hamas is appropriating aid. U.N. officials claim that the new distribution system is ineffective and that aid delivery difficulties persist due to Israeli military restrictions and widespread looting, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
This violence follows Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered an ongoing military response that has led to over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, with many relying solely on international aid for survival.
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