Gaza Genocideupdated 1h ago2 min read
MapIsraeli Troops Open Fire on Gaza Food Aid Crowds, Killing At Least 112
“Israel said many of the dead were trampled in a chaotic crush for the food aid, and that its troops only fired when they felt endangered by the crowd.”
“Palestinians in Gaza said that Israeli forces conducted a massacre by firing on a crowd of people who were waiting to collect desperately needed food aid.”
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL · Cropped for layout
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
At least 112 Palestinians killed and over 750 wounded at Gaza aid distribution. International condemnation calls for independent investigations into the Gaza aid-site killings.
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Aid convoy, gunfire claims
Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza City, killing at least 112 Palestinians and wounding more than 750, according to the Al Jazeera account. The incident unfolded at about 04:30 local time on Thursday on Harun al-Rashid Street, where aid trucks carrying flour were believed to be on the way. Israel faced growing international pressure after more than 100 Palestinians in Gaza were killed when desperate crowds gathered around aid trucks and Israeli troops opened fire on Thursday.
The hospital received 70 of the dead and treated more than 700 wounded, with around 200 still there during the UN team’s visit. Gaza health ministry said 112 people were killed and more than 750 others were injured as crowds rushed towards a convoy of trucks carrying food aid.
Israel’s shifting explanation
Israel said people died in a crush or were run over by aid lorries, although it admitted its troops had opened fire on what it called a “mob”. R Adm Daniel Hagari told reporters, “Tens of Gazan residents were killed as a result of overcrowding, and the Palestinian trucks unfortunately ran over them during an attempt to escape.” Lt Col Peter Lerner later said troops guarding a checkpoint into north Gaza were responsible, and he told a press briefing, “At the crossing point itself is where people approached the forces posing a threat and therefore the forces opened fire.”
Israel said many of the dead were trampled in a chaotic crush for the food aid, and its troops only fired when they felt endangered by the crowd. Witness Mohammed Al-Sholi said, “I saw people falling to the ground after being shot,” and he also saw others take food items and keep running.
Condemnation and next steps
France called for an independent investigation, and UK foreign secretary David Cameron said, “The deaths of people in Gaza waiting for an aid convoy were horrific … this must not happen again.” Germany said the Israeli army must fully explain what happened, and Ursula von der Leyen said, “Every effort must be made to investigate what happened and ensure transparency.” China and Turkey joined Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan in condemning the killing of civilians, and China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called for relevant parties, especially Israel, to “cease fire and end the fighting immediately.” President Biden said the United States would begin airdropping aid to Gaza to help relieve the suffering there, after European leaders condemned Israel for the deaths of scores of hungry Palestinians.
Gaza health ministry said 112 people were killed and more than 750 others were injured, while the White House said the deaths of 112 desperate people seeking food for their families were “tremendously alarming.”