Gaza health ministry: At least 27 killed after Israeli shots at aid distribution site | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Gaza, Hamas, Health Ministry
• Aid distribution incident
• IDF (Israel Defense Forces) investigation
• Warning shots, casualties
• Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
• Sterile zones, security
• Veering off route, chaos

Incident Overview:

• Another deadly incident occurred near an aid distribution station in Gaza, resulting in at least 27 Palestinian deaths and dozens of injuries, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
• The incident is the third of its kind in a week, following Israel's easing of an 11-week blockade on aid entering Gaza.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation after a previous incident on Sunday where at least 31 people died.

IDF's Account:

• The IDF stated that the incident occurred about one kilometer away from the distribution site.
• According to the IDF, some suspects approached IDF troops, and warning shots were fired. When the suspects failed to retreat, additional shots were fired toward or beside them.
• The IDF is aware of the reported casualties and is reviewing the incident.

Israeli Soldier's Perspective:

• An Israeli soldier near the incident reported that the route for civilians was clearly marked, including an Israeli flag indicating where they should not go.
• The soldier stated that after dozens of people approached the IDF troops within 200-300 meters, the troops, feeling endangered, fired toward them.

Video Evidence:

• A video published by Israeli media shows hundreds of Gazans veering off the designated road leading to the distribution site and approaching IDF soldiers.
• The video suggests that shots were fired after this veering off course.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and Security:

• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) operates distribution sites inside sterile zones under the security of IDF soldiers.
• The IDF is responsible for the security situation in and around these sites.
• GHF workers are trained, including scenarios involving people veering off the road and potential chaos.
• Videos from inside the compound show people collecting packages normally, suggesting that not all aid distributions result in such incidents.

Analysis and Questions:

• The report raises the question of whether there is a strategy in place to ensure hungry Palestinians can safely access aid.
• The fact that people veer off the designated route while trying to collect aid is not surprising, given the circumstances.

Conclusion:

The incident near the aid distribution site in Gaza highlights the complexities and dangers surrounding aid delivery in the region. While the IDF claims that warning shots were fired after individuals veered off course and approached troops, the high number of casualties raises concerns about the rules of engagement and the safety of civilians seeking aid. The role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and the security measures in place are also key factors in understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident. The need for a thorough investigation is evident to determine the exact sequence of events and prevent future tragedies.