Israeli tanks kill 59 trying to get aid in Gaza, Palestinian medics say

At least 59 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 were injured while queuing for aid in Gaza after the military opened fire in Khan Younis on Jun. 17, according to Palestinian medics.

The Israeli military acknowledged firing in the area and said it was looking into the incident.

Scenes like a "horror movie"

International news outlets reported dozens of mangled bodies lying in the streets, with witnesses describing scenes like a "horror movie".

Witnesses told Reuters that the crowd had gathered on the road in hopes of obtaining food from aid trucks that use the route, when soldiers made everyone gather, and tank shells started falling.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement: "Earlier today, a gathering was identified adjacent to an aid distribution truck that got stuck in the area of Khan Younis, and in proximity to IDF troops operating in the area."

"The IDF is aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals from IDF fire following the crowd’s approach. The details of the incident are under review. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to minimise harm as much as possible to them while maintaining the safety of our troops."

Medics have also reported at least 22 people killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes in other areas in Gaza.

A two-month blockade on aid was partially lifted recently

U.S.-registered non-profit Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supervised by the Israeli military, became the main distributor of aid in Gaza since the end of May, after Israel partially lifted a two-month blockade on all supplies it imposed on the enclave.

The foundation stated that the incident on Jun. 17 did not occur at its site, but claimed instead that it took place at a United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) location.

There were also reports of shootings near GHF sites on Jun. 16, with local authorities saying at least 35 Palestinians were killed, according to Reuters and The Guardian.

The Israeli army spokesperson said their soldiers fired towards suspects who "were approaching in a way that endangered" the troops, reported AFP.

The United Nations stated it will not participate in any aid plan that does not respect international law and called for "unimpeded entry of assistance" to be restored immediately.

It has also criticised the GHF delivery system as inadequate, dangerous and a violation of humanitarian impartiality rules.

Since the latest crisis began on Oct. 7, 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reported nearly 55,000 to have been killed, while AFP reported Hamas' attack on Israel to have resulted in 1,218 deaths.

The death tolls calculated for both are said to be mostly civilians.

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Top image via UN News