19 victims were trampled while one person was stabbed during what it described as a “chaotic and dangerous surge” at the site. The organisation blamed the unrest on individuals “armed and affiliated with Hamas
By Afolabi Ayodele
At least 20 Palestinians have died in a stampede at an aid distribution centre run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
According to the GHF, 19 victims were trampled while one person was stabbed during what it described as a “chaotic and dangerous surge” at the site. The organisation blamed the unrest on individuals “armed and affiliated with Hamas.”
However, Gaza’s Hamas-run Government Media Office refuted the claim, accusing GHF of trying to “cover up” a crime.
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving 21 bodies, stating the victims died from suffocation caused by tear gas and the crush at the centre.
This marks the first time the GHF has acknowledged fatalities at any of its locations.
Gaza authorities alleged that the stampede was triggered when US private security contractors, who manage the GHF’s operations, closed the aid centre’s gates as thousands gathered in cramped lanes to receive food. The contractors reportedly fired tear gas and live ammunition into the crowd.
A video verified by the BBC showed a man standing on a cart loaded with six bodies at Nasser Hospital. Holding up the lifeless body of a boy, he cried out, “They are children. What is their fault dying for aid?” He claimed the children were crushed between fences erected by foreign security forces at the GHF site.
Incidents involving Palestinian deaths at GHF sites have become almost daily since the foundation began its operations in late May. Witnesses say many victims have been shot by Israeli troops.
The UN human rights office reported that 674 people have been killed near the GHF’s four distribution sites in southern and central Gaza in the last six weeks. Another 201 deaths occurred along aid convoy routes operated by the UN and others.
Until now, GHF had denied any fatalities linked to its operations, accusing the UN of relying on “false and misleading” data from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
The Israeli military acknowledged last week that civilians had been harmed near aid areas and said it was working to reduce “friction between the population and the forces.”
GHF distributes aid from locations situated in Israeli military zones using private security personnel. The United Nations has refused to partner with the organisation, labelling its structure unethical.
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