According to Palestinian medical reports, at least 59 people were killed and over 200 injured when Israeli tanks opened fire on a crowd seeking humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.
Source: Reuters
It was reported that on Tuesday, Israeli tanks fired upon the crowd trying to receive aid from trucks in the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 59 deaths.
Video footage shared on social media shows around a dozen mutilated bodies lying on the streets of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
Witnesses interviewed by Reuters stated that Israeli tanks fired at least two shells into the crowd of thousands gathered on the main eastern road through Khan Yunis, hoping to receive food from humanitarian aid trucks using this route.
“They let us move forward and then started firing tank shells,” said a witness from Nasser Hospital, where injured victims were lying on the floor and in corridors due to lack of space.
Palestinian medics reported that at least 59 people were killed and 221 injured, with at least 20 in critical condition.
This incident marks the deadliest single day since humanitarian aid resumed in Gaza in May.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they are investigating the details of the incident.
IDF stated: “This morning, a gathering of people was detected near a humanitarian aid truck stuck in the Khan Yunis area, close to the forces of the Israel Defense Forces operating in that area.”
The Israeli military is aware of reports regarding casualties from IDF fire following the crowd's approach. The incident details are being verified. The IDF expresses regret for any harm caused to innocent people while aiming to minimize harm to them, while ensuring the safety of our troops.”
Further details: The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that since late May, 397 Palestinians attempting to receive food assistance have been killed, and over 3000 have been injured.
Reuters notes that this incident is the latest in a series of nearly daily mass killings of Palestinians seeking aid over three weeks since Israel partially lifted a total blockade imposed for nearly three months.
A new phase of conflict in Gaza began in October 2023 when Palestinian militants from Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli statements. Following that, an Israeli assault on Gaza resulted in the reported deaths of nearly 55,000 residents, leading to mass displacements and famine.