Middle East Tragic Crush at Gaza Aid Site: At Least 20 Dead

[webfact]

File photo for reference only | Courtesy of Times of Israel

 

A tragic crush at a Gaza aid distribution centre run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has resulted in at least 20 deaths, reports say. The incident took place in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

 

The GHF reported that 19 individuals died due to trampling, while one was stabbed, during what they described as a "chaotic and dangerous surge" at the aid site. The organisation suggested that individuals "armed and affiliated with Hamas" stirred the unrest.

 

However, Gaza's Hamas-led Government Media Office refuted these claims, accusing the GHF of a cover-up. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed receiving 21 bodies, attributing deaths to suffocation from tear gas and the crush.

 

A distressing video shared on social media highlights the tragedy, showing six bodies, including children, which the witness claimed were crushed against fences while awaiting food supplies.

 

Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with gates closing and crowds pushing and trampling each other. Some alleged that security contractors used pepper spray and fired canisters, exacerbating the situation.

 

The GHF denied using tear gas or live ammunition, asserting that only minimal pepper spray was used to prevent further tragedy. They claimed Hamas operatives incited the chaos.

 

This is the first time the GHF has acknowledged fatalities at its sites. Since the humanitarian operation began, there have been frequent reports of deaths involving Israeli forces.

 

A UN representative cited a dire shortage of aid in Gaza, describing increasing desperation and chaos. The UN office has recorded hundreds of killings near GHF sites over recent weeks.

 

The Israeli military has acknowledged incidents where civilians suffered harm and expressed efforts to reduce conflicts in affected areas.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-18

 

 

[koolkarl]

Never heard of a Hamas aid distribution center or any rich muslim oil country aid  distribution center either.