Chaos erupted today at an aid distribution point in Khan Younis, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a US- and Israeli-backed organization. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, 19 from the stampede and one from a stabbing, according to the GHF.
Gaza Strip health officials reported 21 deaths from suffocation at the scene. A health worker said many people were crammed into a small space and crushed.
Witnesses said the crowd became trapped between the gate and a barbed wire fence outside after GHF security personnel closed the gate and used pepper spray on those pushing forward. "People kept pushing each other, causing those who lost their footing to fall and be crushed," said Mahmoud Fojo, who was injured in the stampede. "Some started jumping over the fence and were injured. We were lying under the crowd and praying, thinking we were about to die."
The GHF issued a statement claiming that "armed elements linked to Hamas" within the crowd deliberately incited and caused unrest. The organization added that since beginning humanitarian relief operations, it has identified numerous individuals carrying firearms in the crowds at distribution points.
Hamas criticized the GHF's accusations as "false and misleading," blaming the GHF and the Israeli military for the incident.
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A crowd of Palestinians gathers at a GHF aid distribution point in Gaza on 25/6. Photo: AFP |
A crowd of Palestinians gathers at a GHF aid distribution point in Gaza on 25/6. Photo: AFP
The UN Human Rights Office reported on 15/7 that it had documented at least 875 deaths over six weeks in areas adjacent to aid distribution points and food convoys in Gaza, mostly near GHF distribution sites.
Gaza officials said most of the deaths resulted from Israeli soldiers' gunfire. The Israeli military acknowledged casualties near distribution points and said it had issued revised guidelines after reviewing procedures.
The GHF bypasses the UN-led system, using US private security and logistics firms to deliver supplies into Gaza. The UN considers the GHF distribution model unsafe and in violation of humanitarian fairness standards.
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Locations of GHF distribution points in Gaza. Graphic: NPR |
Locations of GHF distribution points in Gaza. Graphic: NPR
Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network, accused the GHF of mismanagement of aid distribution in Gaza. "Thousands flock to GHF points hungry, thirsty, and exhausted, then they are crammed into tight spaces amid scarce aid and poorly organized centers," he said.
The GHF denied these allegations.
Thuy Lam (According to Reuters, Times of Israel)
