International
Over 100 Palestinians killed as Israeli troops open fire on aid seekers in Gaza
Over 100 lives lost, 700 injured as Israeli troops open fire on civilians seeking aid in Gaza. Urgent calls for an independent investigation and ceasefire to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
In a tragic incident, more than 100 Palestinians lost their lives and around 700 others sustained injuries as Israeli troops opened fire on a gathering of people awaiting food aid southwest of Gaza City.
This devastating event unfolded amidst an unprecedented hunger crisis in the besieged enclave, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported on Thursday (29 Feb) that the toll had reached at least 112 fatalities, with over 750 individuals wounded.
Condemning the incident as a cold-blooded “massacre,” the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized it as part of Israel’s ongoing “genocidal war.”
Urgently calling for international intervention to facilitate a ceasefire, the ministry emphasized the critical need to protect civilians from further harm.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates// Condemns the massacre in the Nablsi Square in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire as the sole means to protect civilians.#Gaza_under_attack#CeasefireNow#Palestine#Israeliwarcrimes pic.twitter.com/AaoEtAofMC
— State of Palestine – MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) February 29, 2024
The tragedy unfolded at al-Rashid Street, where people had gathered in anticipation of aid trucks carrying essential supplies, particularly flour.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying events, with one stating, “We went to get flour. The Israeli army shot at us. There are many martyrs on the ground, and until this moment, we are withdrawing them. There is no first aid.”
In an Al Jazeera report, the aftermath was chillingly labeled as a massacre, highlighting the severity of the situation in the face of an imminent threat of starvation in Gaza.
Subsequent to the initial gunfire, Israeli tanks were reported to have advanced, tragically running over numerous deceased and injured bodies.
In the aftermath, the Israeli military initially sought to blame the tragedy on the crowd, asserting that injuries occurred as a result of being crushed and trampled when aid trucks arrived.
This narrative was echoed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a Twitter update on Thursday.
The IDF stated, “This morning humanitarian aid trucks entered northern Gaza, residents surrounded the trucks and looted the supplies being delivered. As a result of the pushing, trampling, and being run over by the trucks, dozens of Gazans were killed and injured.”
This morning humanitarian aid trucks entered northern Gaza, residents surrounded the trucks and looted the supplies being delivered. As a result of the pushing, trampling and being run over by the trucks, dozens of Gazans were killed and injured.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 29, 2024
Nevertheless, the Israeli military subsequently altered its position, asserting that their troops perceived a threat from the hundreds approaching in a manner deemed menacing.
This perception, they argued, justified the use of lethal force, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Global leaders condemn Gaza tragedy
In response to the alarming incident, Martin Griffiths, UN Humanitarian Chief, expressed his shock on Twitter, stating, “even after close to five months of brutal hostilities, Gaza still has the ability to shock us.”
He condemned the reported killing and injury of hundreds of people during a transfer of aid supplies west of Gaza City, emphasizing that this tragedy adds to the already devastating death toll that has surpassed 30,000 since 7 October.
“Life is draining out of Gaza at a terrifying speed,” Griffiths remarked, underscoring the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.
Life is draining out of Gaza at terrifying speed. pic.twitter.com/5Wd4w8aurX
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 29, 2024
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, joined in condemning the incident on Twitter, expressing his dismay at the reported deaths and injuries of over 100 people seeking life-saving aid.
I condemn Thursday’s incident in Gaza in which more than 100 people were reportedly killed or injured while seeking life-saving aid.
The desperate civilians in Gaza need urgent help, including those in the north where the @UN has not been able to deliver aid in more than a week.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 1, 2024
He reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
I am appalled by the tragic human toll of the conflict in Gaza – more than 30,000 people reportedly killed and over 70,000 injured.
I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 1, 2024
European Union Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell also denounced the killing of dozens of Palestinians during the aid delivery in the northern Gaza Strip, deeming the deaths “totally unacceptable.”
Through his Twitter, he expressed horror at the civilian casualties and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
I am horrified by news of yet another carnage among civilians in Gaza desperate for humanitarian aid.
These deaths are totally unacceptable.
Depriving people of food aid constitutes a serious violation of IHL.
Unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza must be granted.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) February 29, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, condemning the killings and calling for truth, justice, and respect for international law on Twitter.
Deep indignation at the images coming from Gaza where civilians have been targeted by Israeli soldiers.
I express my strongest condemnation of these shootings and call for truth, justice, and respect for international law.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 1, 2024
Amid conflicting reports, France called for an independent probe into the incident.
France’s Foreign Ministry labeled the Israeli soldiers’ actions as unjustifiable.
“We will ask for explanations, and there will have to be an independent probe to determine what happened,” France’s Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné told the France Inter broadcaster on Friday.
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no hostages= no cease fire. tsk tsk tsk
who are the people living in Gaza? terrorists , terrorist supporters, civilians? who?
Better everyone to shut up for the moment until more details are known. Recall how some were screaming about the bombing of a hospital attributing it to the Israelis, until it is proven conclusively that it was in fact a misfired Hamas rocket. But it is OK, screamers don’t feel embarrassment.
For all we know, it could be a Israeli soldier suddenly “losing it” and started firing, after learning that someone he loved and taken hostage by Hamas, had just be found tortured, raped, mutilated and burnt after months in captivity. Welcome to a war, started by Hamas, 7-Oct.
The Israelis claim the casualties are due to a “stampede”. But yet, many of the victims had gun shot trauma. Just like how the Israelis killed (and denied doing so) Palestinian American journalistShireen Abu Akeh back in May last year while reporting in the West Bank.
No consequences for anyone in that incident. We can expect that NOTHING will also happen here in this incident. One wonders WHY is it that certain “people” can seemingly get away with anything, including murder. Imagine if China had targeted a Taiwanese reporter ….
Keep asking and asking, in the meantime Nethanyahu is doing as he pleases. We have terrible world leaders currently. Not one has the balls to train a long reaching missile at Israel and say stop or we will shoot. Everyone is talking and talking, in the meantime 30,000 Palestinians dead and thousands injured.