In a tragic turn of events, Israeli forces reportedly killed dozens of Palestinians who had assembled in northern Gaza in hopes of receiving vital aid from U.N. trucks. According to officials from the Gaza health ministry, the death toll has surpassed 60, while many more were injured in the incident that unfolded near the Zikim crossing along the border with Israel. A local hospital has been inundated with victims, including over a hundred who sustained injuries during the attack.
The Israeli military has stated that its troops fired warning shots and aimed at what they considered an "immediate threat," though they did not provide specific details. The military later contested the reported casualty figures, indicating that their review of the incident did not match those claims, and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.
The U.N. World Food Program confirmed that their convoy of 25 trucks approached northern Gaza carrying essential food supplies when it came across large crowds of civilians desperate to access the relief. As the convoy arrived, gunfire erupted from Israeli tanks and snipers targeting the surrounding crowd.
Aid distribution in Gaza has descended into chaos as many Palestinians are grappling with severe food shortages. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have frequently opened fire near large groups of civilians seeking assistance, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are anticipated as the international community calls for an investigation into the events.
