Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 51 Palestinians and injured more than 200 while opening fire on a crowd near an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, according to witnesses and rescue workers. The incident took place in Khan Younis, where people had gathered in hopes of receiving flour from a World Food Programme (WFP) site, which also serves as a community kitchen. Local reports indicate that Israeli troops began firing on the crowd, the latest and possibly the deadliest in a series of similar attacks occurring near aid sites in Gaza.
Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes as Israeli drones targeted the area with missiles, followed by artillery fire from a tank positioned 400 to 500 meters away. The assaults resulted in widespread casualties, leaving many injured and in critical condition. Nasser Hospital, the primary medical facility in Khan Younis, is currently overwhelmed with the influx of wounded individuals, many of whom lie on the floor awaiting treatment.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the event and commented that their forces observed a gathering near an aid truck stuck in the vicinity, where they were operating. They stated they were aware of the casualties linked to their fire and that the incident was under investigation.
The episode comes after the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, condemned Israel’s tactics as weaponizing food, urging an in-depth examination of these lethal confrontations occurring near aid distribution centers. In a discourse at the UN Human Rights Council, Turk stated: "Israel's means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza."
