Gaza health officials report the deaths of at least four Palestinians killed by Israeli fire while en route to an aid distribution center.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops fired warning shots after verbally challenging a group deemed threatening.
This incident is the latest in a series of deadly events near aid distribution points established by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by Israel and the US.
The IDF acknowledged reports of injuries, stating that the reported number of casualties doesn’t align with their current information.
The incident occurred before dawn near a distribution site close to Rafah in southern Gaza.
Palestinian paramedics confirmed the deaths of four individuals, amidst crowds anticipating the center’s opening for food distribution.
One woman recounted her husband being fatally shot in the head while waiting for food.
The Israeli army has mandated that access to GHF distribution sites is restricted to the hours between 06:00 and 18:00 local time, designating all other times as an “active combat zone”.
The GHF reports opening three sites on Sunday – one in central Gaza at 06:00 and two in Rafah at noon.
Following a three-month blockade, Israel recently permitted limited aid into Gaza, prioritizing distribution through the GHF.
However, the foundation has faced controversy, with several deadly incidents occurring during its first week of operation.
Reports from medics and local health authorities indicate over 60 Palestinians were killed by gunfire during the foundation’s initial three days of operation.
Multiple witnesses attribute these killings to Israeli soldiers.
The IDF stated they fired warning shots on the first two days and shot near Palestinian suspects advancing towards their positions on the third, adding that they are investigating the incidents.
On Saturday, six Palestinians were killed and several others wounded by Israeli gunfire, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency.
The Israeli military again attributed the incident to warning shots fired at suspects approaching in a threatening manner.
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