Humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza halted temporarily for 24 hours due to a deadly shooting incident, amidst an urgent demand for relief.
The bloody scene of Gaza repeated itself as Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid. On Tuesday, at least 27 lives were claimed and over 90 individuals were injured near a distribution center in southern Gaza[2]. This tragedy occurred while these desperate souls were waiting for their lifeline—humanitarian aid.
The United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) suspended operations at its distribution sites for 24 hours, citing the surge of civilians in need of food and medicine following Israel's partial lifting of the 11-week blockade of aid[3]. Overwhelmed by the crowd, the GHF announced that they were accelerating their logistical preparations at the centers to manage the overwhelming number of people[3].
Tensions have escalated in recent days, as this marks the second such incident near the aid distribution sites in as many days[1]. The ICRC has responded to five mass casualty incidents, four of which occurred within the past 96 hours[1]. The ICRC field hospital in Rafah reported that among the wounded patients they've treated, many had gunshot wounds, and all those who were responsive said they were trying to reach an assistance distribution site[1].
Unarmed Palestinians have been targets in their desperate quest for aid. Casualties from this latest incident were first brought to the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, with eighteen individuals declared dead upon arrival[1]. Eight others died shortly thereafter due to their wounds[1]. Most of the victims were brought to Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, the only functioning major hospital in southern Gaza[1].
IDF spokesperson, Effie Defrin, acknowledged that Israeli forces did carry out warning fire half a kilometer from the aid distribution center, targeting individuals who posed a threat[1]. This defense, however, has been met with criticism. The United Nations Secretary General condemned the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians, calling for an immediate independent investigation and for perpetrators to be held accountable[4].
The handling of aid distribution in Gaza continues to be a subject of contention. Israeli forces are reportedly operating near these new distribution points[5]. International aid groups have heavily criticized the U.S.-backed aid distribution plan, claiming that it is militarized and compromises the neutrality of international humanitarian work[5]. Additionally, the GHF's aid distribution operation, which has been refused by the UN and other aid groups due to concerns about its independence from Israeli forces[6], has been plagued by reports of violence[6].
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with civilians being placed in harm's way in their pursuit of basic necessities. The ICRC and others have consistently urged for the rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian relief into Gaza, pleading for the safety of innocent lives[1][4]. The world continues to watch in despair as the conflict in Gaza intensifies.
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/14/gaza-death-toll-from-israeli-fire-rises-to-28
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/dozens-palestinians-killed-israel-strikes-gaza-strip-2022-06-14/
[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/14/gaza-aid-distribution-centers-to-pause-operations-for-24-hours
[4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/14/un-condemns-deadly-israeli-shooting-of-palestinians-at-gaza-aid-center
[5] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-06-14/idf-defends-its-aid-distribution-plan-in-gaza-saying-it-undercuts-hamas/
[6] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/14/un-condemns-deadly-israeli-shooting-of-palestinians-at-gaza-aid-center
- The United Nations Secretary General called for an immediate investigation into the violent incidents at Gaza aid distribution sites, as unarmed Palestinians continue to be targeted and the health of many remains at risk.
- As international tension mounts, the handling of aid distribution in Gaza has become a contentious issue, with the international community questioning the militarization of the U.S.-backed plan and its impact on the neutrality of humanitarian work.
- Amidst war-and-conflicts, access to essential resources such as food and medicine remain critical for the general-news, and the international community has condemned the escalating violence and urged for the rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian relief into Gaza.
