Civilian fire in the Gaza Strip. They went for humanitarian aid. Israel refutes the allegations
“The preliminary investigation showed that the army did not shoot civilians who were near the place of help; reports on this subject are false” – a communiqué of the Israeli army was written in the evening.
It was added, however, that the soldiers fired warning arrows from a distance of about 1 km to a group of suspects, approaching them and it happened a few hours before the opening of the assistance point in the morning.
Israel attacked the humanitarian aid point? Witness accounts
Early in the morning several thousand people went towards the distribution center, but Israeli soldiers told them to turn back and started shooting at them when they were about 1 km from the point – said the AP agency, citing witnesses. The Israeli shot from drones, tanks and ships – said the agency one of the witnesses, Amr Abu Teiba.
The crowd shot on Sunday morning aimed at one of the food issuing points created by the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza (GHF). The organization presents itself as an independent entity, but according to the media, its activities are supported by the US and Israel, and the funding of the foundation is unclear.
GHF implements the plan of a new help distribution system previously announced by Israel, which is to guarantee that it will not hit the hands of Hamas. GHF's activity is criticized by groups that have previously dealt with help, including the UN. There are accusations that the new system is politicized and controlled by Israel, and also works on too small, which does not meet the needs.
Israel two weeks ago allowed the resumption of transports, after nearly three months of total blockade, whose official reason was the stolen help of Hamas. Aid groups alert that the deliveries are still too small.
When issuing help at GHF points, fatal incidents had already occurred. The distribution centers of this organization are protected by private employees of American military companies.
Israel's new offensive
Israel has been conducting a new offensive in the Gaza Strip for several weeks to force Hamas to lay down arms and release still imprisoned hostages. The Chief of General Staff of General Ejal ZamiR reported on Sunday that he ordered the soldiers to extend the land operation.
At the same time, negotiations about the suspension of weapons are pending. In recent days, the new American truce proposal has been informed, but so far the talks have still not brought a breakthrough.
The international criticism of Israel's actions, both the new offensive in the Gaza Strip and its tragic costs for the civilian population, as well as the passing of insufficient help.
