Casualties in Gaza Amid Aid Efforts

CNN

The Palestinian health ministry reports that on Sunday, at least 73 individuals were killed and around 150 were injured due to Israeli gunfire in Gaza while they were seeking aid.

Among the deceased, 67 were reported dead in northern Gaza, with six casualties in Khan Younis in the southern region. It’s unclear if these fatalities occurred in a single incident or multiple ones, representing one of the highest death tolls in recent cases involving aid seekers.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they had fired warning shots in response to what they perceived as an immediate threat from a large crowd of over a thousand Gazans in the northern region.

While the IDF acknowledged the claims regarding casualties, they did not provide specific numbers and are currently reviewing the event’s details.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that a convoy of 25 trucks carrying essential food supplies crossed from Zikim into Gaza, targeting northern communities. However, upon reaching civilians waiting for assistance, the convoy came under fire from Israeli forces.

The WFP emphasized the urgent need to halt shooting near humanitarian operations, as the latest incident highlights the perilous conditions under which aid is delivered in Gaza. Additionally, the Israeli military issued warnings to residents in northern Gaza, labeling the area as an active combat zone.

Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, noted that many people were shot while seeking aid and that the medical facility is overwhelmed with casualties. He expressed concern for the large influx of malnourished civilians and the dire state of healthcare under these conditions.