At least 44 people were killed in Gaza after Israeli forces opened fire near aid distribution areas in two separate incidents, according to witnesses and hospital officials. One took place on a road south of Wadi Gaza, where Awda hospital reported 25 deaths and 146 injuries, including 62 in critical condition. In Deir al-Balah, Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital received six bodies from the same incident.
Witnesses described fire from tanks and drones as people approached aid trucks. “It was a massacre,” said Ahmed Halawa. Another witness, Hossam Abu Shahada, said drones circled overhead before gunfire erupted, leaving bodies on the ground. In Rafah, a separate incident occurred as crowds gathered at the Shakoush area. Nasser hospital reported 19 deaths and 50 injuries. “We seek food and the occupation opens fire and kills many,” said Ayman Abu Joda.
The Israeli military has not commented. Philippe Lazzarini of the UN’s refugee agency called the aid system “an abomination that humiliates and degrades desperate people.” A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office said restricting access to food and essential services could amount to a war crime. Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 56,000 Palestinians killed during Israel’s 21-month campaign, with over half listed as women and children.
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