Israel Kills At Least 47 in Gaza, Including Those Awaiting Food Aid
Gaza City – Israeli strikes in Gaza on Friday, September 13, 2024, resulted in the deaths of at least 47 Palestinians, including individuals waiting for humanitarian aid, according to reports from the territory and international news agencies. The escalating violence further intensifies the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, where over two million residents face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The recent fatalities underscore the increasingly dire situation for civilians caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas militants. While israel maintains its military operations are targeted at Hamas infrastructure and fighters, the rising civilian death toll has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about potential war crimes. The specific circumstances surrounding the deaths of those awaiting food aid are under investigation, but reports indicate the incident occurred during a chaotic scene as people attempted to access desperately needed supplies.
The strikes occurred across multiple locations in Gaza, including areas in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City. The Palestinian ministry of Health reports that the number of deaths is expected to rise as rescue workers continue to search for bodies under rubble. The ongoing conflict has already claimed the lives of over 30,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza, and displaced the vast majority of the population.
International organizations,including the United Nations and the World Food Program,have repeatedly warned of the imminent risk of famine in Gaza. Access to the territory remains severely restricted, hindering the delivery of essential aid. Negotiations for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access are ongoing, but have so far failed to yield a lasting resolution.
