Israeli attacks kill 23 as violence near Gaza aid sites surges

Israeli forces killed 23 Palestinians after opening fire on people who were near an aid site in central Gaza, the BBC reported on June 20th.

Witnesses and medics said tanks and drones targeted thousands of people gathered near the distribution site, which is operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF is supported by Israel and the United States. The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, said that over 400 Palestinians have died under similar circumstances since late last month.

A spokesperson for al-Awda hospital, which is located in Nuseirat, confirmed that 23 bodies and over 100 wounded people were brought to the hospital. The Israeli military said that troops fired warning shots and later struck individuals who moved toward their position. The  Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a review of the incident. The GHF denied that a shooting took place near its sites. UNICEF warned that the aid distribution system was worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Additionally, according to The New Arab plus agencies on June 19th, Israeli fire killed 33 people in Gaza on June 18th. Those who died included 11 individuals seeking aid.

Mahmoud Bassal, the spokesman for Gaza’s civil defence, stated that more than 100 people were wounded after Israeli forces opened fire and launched shells at crowds waiting for food. Israeli strikes also killed 19 others in attacks on homes and tents for displaced people, according to the civil defence agency.

Meanwhile, Israel accused Hamas of using Gaza’s suffering as a weapon, Al-Monitor reported via AFP on June 12th. The GHF said Hamas attacked a bus carrying its workers, killing at least eight.

The group also fears kidnappings. Israel claimed Hamas blocks aid and targets those delivering it. The situation remains dire, with severe hunger and medical shortages worsening across the territory.

Al-Monitor via AFP, BBC, The New Arab plus agencies, Maghrebi.org