Tensions have flared in the Gaza Strip, with reports of violence near a humanitarian aid distribution center.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, Israeli forces opened fire on people gathered near the aid center in Rafah, killing at least 31 and injuring hundreds.
Mohammed Garib, a Palestinian journalist, told BBC News that thousands of people had gathered near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation center, which is supported by the US and Israel, when Israeli tanks arrived and started shooting.
Garib said the attack caused many casualties, with many people lying on the ground for a long time because rescue teams couldn’t reach them due to the Israeli military’s control of the area.
The Gaza Health Ministry released a video showing doctors confirming the large number of casualties, including British surgeon Dr. Victoria Rose, who works in the emergency department of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
“We had an incident of shooting at the GHF aid distribution center near Rafah, and it was a bloodbath,” Dr. Rose said, adding that many of the injured were brought to field hospitals and that around 100-200 people, mostly with gunshot wounds, were sent to her hospital.
However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denies the reports, saying the distribution of aid went smoothly and no one was hurt.
“We heard that these fake news stories are an attempt by Hamas to stir up trouble. They’re not true and were fabricated,” the GHF said.
The Israeli military said it was unaware of any reports of its soldiers attacking the aid center and is currently investigating the incident.
CNN reported that several Gaza residents who were at the scene described a chaotic situation, with heavy gunfire and people pushing to get aid.
Basil Abu Alwan said he arrived at the aid center on Saturday night but was told to come back at 6 am on Sunday. “There was no distribution. People were pushing forward and falling, and guns were being fired indiscriminately.”
“Whoever got something got to leave, but those who didn’t might have been trampled,” Alwan said, echoing the accounts of many residents who told CNN that people had gathered at the aid center for hours but mostly left empty-handed.
Source: bbc