Over 100 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Aid Delivery Incident, Heightening War Tensions
Over 100 Palestinians were reported killed and more than 280 were left wounded by Israeli forces during an aid delivery on Thursday, according to Gaza health authorities. A convoy of 30 trucks arrived in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, sparking a desperate stampede among thousands of residents. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported a death toll of 107, with around 760 injured, labeling the event a “massacre.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attributed the majority of casualties to the stampede and subsequent injuries from being run over by the aid trucks. Drone footage released by the IDF showed the overwhelming swarm around the trucks, with some vehicles attempting to push through the crowds. An IDF probe revealed that armed individuals also opened fire at the convoy, exacerbating the chaos.
The IDF acknowledged that its troops fired on Gazans who advanced toward soldiers and a tank at a checkpoint, following the convoy’s passage. This action was taken in response to perceived threats, with fewer than 10 casualties attributed to Israeli fire. The military has stated it is reviewing the incident to prevent future tragedies and ensure safe aid delivery.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged the potential for the incident to complicate ceasefire talks. The UN Security Council convened to discuss the situation, while humanitarian agencies and officials, including the U.S. Defense Secretary and the UN aid chief, expressed horror at the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
