Deadly Incident in Gaza: Dozens Killed Near Aid Distribution Point
At least 74 Palestinians were killed and over 200 injured when Israeli tanks reportedly fired on a crowd gathered near aid trucks in southern Gaza, according to medical sources. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Khan Younis, where thousands of residents, facing severe food shortages, had assembled in hopes of receiving humanitarian aid.
Eyewitness Accounts and Graphic Scenes
Reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera confirm that videos shared on social media showed bodies lying across a main road in Khan Younis. Witnesses claimed that Israeli tanks launched two shells toward civilians who had gathered for aid. According to Reuters, one survivor recounted the horror from Nasser Hospital, saying:
“They allowed us to gather, then suddenly the shells landed. People were torn apart while trying to feed their children.”
Doctors at the scene said 51 people died instantly, while many others were critically injured. Due to the shortage of ambulances, injured victims were transported using private vehicles, rickshaws, and donkey carts.
Israeli Military Response
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the use of live fire, stating that an aid truck had been surrounded by a crowd near a zone where troops were active. A statement from the military expressed regret over the loss of civilian lives but emphasized their continued efforts to avoid harm while maintaining operational security.
Additional Casualties Across Gaza
Elsewhere in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire led to the deaths of at least 14 more individuals, raising the total number of casualties on Tuesday to 88. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of repeated violence against civilians seeking aid since Israel partially eased its blockade of Gaza three weeks ago.