On Tuesday, one of the region’s bloodiest days in decades marked a third day of escalating violence. At least 27 people were killed and dozens more wounded in an air strike on a distribution point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah. The Palestinian health ministry announced the casualties, who were killed during an increased and intensifying period of Israeli military operations in the area.
While their route was relatively straightforward today, as you can see from the photo above, distribution had its own challenges. As TMF recognized, no one expected a truck- or no-show truckloads of food-er! However, they emphasized that the gunfire erupted in an area “well beyond our secure distribution site and control.” GHF’s statement comes amid rising anger at the ground level, where civilians are fighting to get life-saving humanitarian relief.
Violence broke out in the Al-Alam roundabout area, west of Rafah. This neighborhood has seen a dramatic spike in recent days from multiple shooting incidents. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians approaching the GHF site early Tuesday morning. According to eyewitness testimonies, three Palestinians were killed on Monday. At least dozens others were injured in the process as they attempted to reach help from GHF.
The Israeli military has repeatedly and adamantly denied doing anything wrong. They claimed that their forces had not fired “inside or around” the GHF distribution point. An Israeli military source admitted that they did fire at people one kilometer away. This occurred just days before the aid distribution was set to start. They stated, “The troops carried out warning fire, and after the suspects failed to retreat, additional shots were directed near a few individual suspects who advanced toward the troops.”
In light of these events, Dr. Marwan al-Hams, head of field hospitals in Gaza, expressed grave concern over the situation. President of Nasser hospital #Gaza said they have been flooded by the overload of casualties from the GHF distribution site. “Only if someone dies inside the intensive care units, only then can we make availability for the next patient,” he stated, highlighting the dire circumstances facing medical facilities.
With this continued escalation, international activists and observers are demanding accountability for all of the violence against civilians. Volker Turk remarked on the situation, stating, “deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are unconscionable… There must be a prompt and impartial investigation into each of these attacks, and those responsible held to account.”
The siege and blockade imposed by Israel since the start of the conflict has caused acute humanitarian crises for the people of Gaza. Access to these life-sustaining food staples has truly become a treacherous pursuit for millions. Turk further emphasized the grim reality faced by civilians: “the grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israel’s militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism.”
In response to the rising tensions and violence, GHF has taken measures to inform the public about safe access routes for aid. A Facebook page utilized by GHF warned residents to adhere to a designated corridor starting at 5 a.m. to approach the distribution site safely.
This continued escalation of violence further emphasizes the obstacles and dangers which humanitarian efforts encounter in conflict zones. Civilians too often get caught in the crossfire. The complex situation is still developing, both domestic and global actors are keeping a watchful eye with hopes for change in Gaza.
