Video footage, expert analysis and eyewitness testimony suggest Israeli gunfire caused the recent killings at a humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza City earlier this week, leaving at least 30 Palestinians dead and many more injured. The shooting has inflamed international outrage and renewed demands for accountability.
On Monday evening near Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza City, thousands of Gazan civilians gathered to receive desperately needed food aid from international aid agencies. But chaos ensued when gunfire suddenly erupted, sending crowds fleeing in panic en masse despite Israeli military denials about involvement; new evidence increasingly contradicts their claims.
Videos verified by international media outlets show what appear to be Israeli drones circling overhead moments before shooting began, then several bursts of gunfire can be heard, followed by scenes showing bloodied victims and abandoned food parcels strewn across the ground.
Forensic experts who reviewed the footage informed independent investigators that bullets used were consistent with standard issue Israeli military firearms, with injuries typical of close range high velocity ammunition being observed, according to Dr Andrew Keller of International Crisis Monitoring Center’s weapons analysis team.
Eyewitnesses at the site described an awful scene: people were starving; we came just for flour and rice,” reported Abu Firas, father of four. “Suddenly there were drones flying overhead followed by gunshot and my cousin being shot right in front of me!”
Umm Samir described the scene as a massacre and stated, “I saw children being crushed underfoot, people screaming and then silence as bodies lay everywhere.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials have reiterated that their troops were not intentionally targeting civilians and that any gunfire may have come from militant factions trying to exploit aid distribution activities. No group has taken responsibility and local authorities insist there were no armed individuals present during distribution efforts.
International humanitarian organizations have denounced this attack and called for an independent investigation to take place. “Firing on civilians searching for food is both unlawful and morally unconscionable,” according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA. This incident illustrates how hunger and conflict now co-exist in Gaza.
World Food Programme officials have issued a warning about an attack which threatens aid delivery operations, with workers fearing for their own safety as they deliver food aid. “Without security at distribution points, more people will die from hunger before ever being shot at,” according to Corinne Fleischer of WFP regional office.
Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates 68 deaths as a result of this attack and over 120 injuries; among these victims were both women and children.
As international condemnation increases, pressure is mounting on Israel to permit an impartial inquiry. The UN has demanded immediate access to the site as well as full transparency from all parties involved in its planning and execution.
However, for Gazans it’s clear: no place is safe from food shortage.