Israeli Fire Kills 36 Palestinians Near Aid Center in Gaza
Fatalities reported as violence continues amid complex humanitarian situation and international aid efforts.
Gaza's civil defense agency reported that Israeli forces killed at least 36 Palestinians on Saturday, with six fatalities occurring near a US-backed aid distribution center in Rafah.
The shooting followed the resumption of aid distributions at the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), which had briefly halted operations due to previous incidents of violence earlier in the week.
The GHF, a humanitarian initiative that began operating in late May when Israel partially eased a longstanding blockade, aims to provide assistance amid worsening conditions.
UN agencies and major humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns regarding the GHF's alignment with Israeli military interests and have opted not to engage with it.
According to civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal, the fatalities occurred around 7:00 am local time when Israeli forces opened fire on individuals gathered near the Al-Alam roundabout, a site where residents have routinely convened to receive aid from the GHF.
Eyewitness Samir Abu Hadid reported a significant crowd at the location, indicating that as some individuals advanced towards the aid center, Israeli forces responded with live fire.
The Israeli military stated that troops had fired warning shots at what they described as individuals posing a danger to soldiers.
The military often conducts operations in response to perceived threats amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Concurrently, a humanitarian vessel named the Madleen, carrying 12 activists including prominent climate advocate Greta Thunberg, was en route to Gaza to highlight the humanitarian issues faced by Palestinians under blockade.
The ship, organized by an international coalition of activists, aims to breach the naval blockade imposed by Israel.
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, part of the flotilla coalition, confirmed the vessel's position off the Egyptian coast and expressed intentions to deliver aid.
Activists have characterized any potential interception of the ship as a breach of international humanitarian law.
The Israeli naval blockade had been in place prior to the recent escalation of conflict following the October 7 Hamas attacks, which led to a significant military response from Israel.
Israeli officials have indicated readiness to enforce the blockade against the Madleen based on past experiences with similar missions, including a notable incident in 2010 when a raid on the Mavi Marmara resulted in the deaths of ten civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn increasing international scrutiny, with reports from United Nations agencies indicating severe food insecurity affecting the entire population.
The shooting followed the resumption of aid distributions at the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), which had briefly halted operations due to previous incidents of violence earlier in the week.
The GHF, a humanitarian initiative that began operating in late May when Israel partially eased a longstanding blockade, aims to provide assistance amid worsening conditions.
UN agencies and major humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns regarding the GHF's alignment with Israeli military interests and have opted not to engage with it.
According to civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal, the fatalities occurred around 7:00 am local time when Israeli forces opened fire on individuals gathered near the Al-Alam roundabout, a site where residents have routinely convened to receive aid from the GHF.
Eyewitness Samir Abu Hadid reported a significant crowd at the location, indicating that as some individuals advanced towards the aid center, Israeli forces responded with live fire.
The Israeli military stated that troops had fired warning shots at what they described as individuals posing a danger to soldiers.
The military often conducts operations in response to perceived threats amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Concurrently, a humanitarian vessel named the Madleen, carrying 12 activists including prominent climate advocate Greta Thunberg, was en route to Gaza to highlight the humanitarian issues faced by Palestinians under blockade.
The ship, organized by an international coalition of activists, aims to breach the naval blockade imposed by Israel.
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, part of the flotilla coalition, confirmed the vessel's position off the Egyptian coast and expressed intentions to deliver aid.
Activists have characterized any potential interception of the ship as a breach of international humanitarian law.
The Israeli naval blockade had been in place prior to the recent escalation of conflict following the October 7 Hamas attacks, which led to a significant military response from Israel.
Israeli officials have indicated readiness to enforce the blockade against the Madleen based on past experiences with similar missions, including a notable incident in 2010 when a raid on the Mavi Marmara resulted in the deaths of ten civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn increasing international scrutiny, with reports from United Nations agencies indicating severe food insecurity affecting the entire population.