Gaza stampede: 20 killed at US-Israel backed aid centre

Time of India

4 days ago

At least 20 people have reportedly died in a tragic crush at an aid distribution centre operated by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza humanitarian foundation (GHF).
According to GFH reports, 19 individuals were crushed and one stabbed in what it's described as a "chaotic and dangerous surge" at the entrance of the aid facility.
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The organisation claimed that panic was sparked by armed individuals linked to Hamas.
The Government media office has firmly rejected the claim and accused the GHF of trying to cover up a crime scene.
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving 21 bodies, stating that most of the deaths were caused by suffocation due to tear gas exposure and injuries sustained in the crowd crush.
In a video verified by the BBC, a man was seen crying, 'They were children.
What was their fault, dying for aid?' He blamed poor crowd management and fencing at the site for the tragedy.
Another man, Ahmed Abu Omra, claimed armed contractors guarding the narrow entry lanes fired pepper bombs, further fuelling the chaos.
In its first-ever press briefing, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay blamed the incident on armed Hamas operatives who deliberately triggered the chaos.' Fay also said a medic was stabbed while attempting to stop one of the alleged instigators, according to AP.
UN: Rising death toll near aid zones
On Tuesday, the UN reported that since late May, 875 people have been killed in Gaza while seeking aid — including 674 deaths that occurred near GHF distribution sites.
The Israeli military admitted last week that past incidents had occurred and stated that efforts were underway to reduce tensions with the civilian population.