Eyewitness and hospital sources said at least 25 people were killed as Israeli forces and drones opened fire on a large crowd waiting for aid deliveries in central Gaza early Tuesday, reports AP.
Responding to a query from the media, the military said it was reviewing reports of casualties following an incident involving a group that approached forces near the Netzarim corridor — a key east-west route through Gaza.
The victims were brought to Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Hospital officials said the crowd had gathered on Salah al-Din Road, just south of Wadi Gaza, to await incoming aid trucks.
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces fired as people moved eastward toward the anticipated aid.
“It was a massacre,” said Ahmed Halawa, who described tanks and drones firing even as people tried to flee. “Many were killed or injured,” he added.
Another witness, Hossam Abu Shahada, said drones monitored the crowd before tanks and drones opened fire. He described the scene as “chaotic and bloody,” with people running for their lives. He recalled seeing at least three motionless bodies and many wounded as he fled.
Awda Hospital reported 146 people wounded in the incident, with 62 in critical condition transferred to other hospitals in central Gaza. Meanwhile, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah said it received the bodies of six individuals killed in the same event.
Palestinian health officials and witnesses allege that Israeli forces have repeatedly fired on civilians gathering for aid in recent weeks, resulting in hundreds of deaths. The Israeli military claims it has only used warning shots when individuals approached troops suspiciously.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
