The crush occurred as aid seekers compete for limited resources in an already fraught environment. The GHF stated that 19 individuals were trampled, with one reportedly stabbed during the chaos, which they attribute to armed individuals allegedly linked with Hamas. In contrast, Hamas officials accused the GHF of misleading the public regarding the incident, pointing the finger back at the organization.
According to Nasser Hospital, where many victims were taken, 21 bodies were received, some showing signs of suffocation due to tear gas inhalation. Eyewitness accounts from the scene described harrowing moments where individuals were crushed against barriers as they waited for food handouts. Video footage has emerged showing the aftermath in which victims, many of whom were children, were discovered trapped in the crush.
Survivors recounted the incident, expressing their terror as gates were shut and crowds pressed forward, leading to pandemonium. One individual mentioned armed security personnel releasing "pepper bombs" into the crowd as tensions escalated.
In the wake of the tragedy, the GHF spokesperson blamed Hamas operatives for inciting chaos, while they emphatically denied using tear gas against the crowd, stating any use of force was solely for crowd control.
The incident has gained international attention, with the UN highlighting a severe lack of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as hundreds of thousands are forced to gather at only a few aid distribution points. The increasing desperation for aid exacerbates tensions, leading to violent encounters at these sites, as noted by United Nations representatives.
Calls for improved oversight and safety at the GHF distribution centers have intensified following this incident, as the realities of the ongoing conflict create increasingly dangerous conditions for civilians in pursuit of essential aid.
According to Nasser Hospital, where many victims were taken, 21 bodies were received, some showing signs of suffocation due to tear gas inhalation. Eyewitness accounts from the scene described harrowing moments where individuals were crushed against barriers as they waited for food handouts. Video footage has emerged showing the aftermath in which victims, many of whom were children, were discovered trapped in the crush.
Survivors recounted the incident, expressing their terror as gates were shut and crowds pressed forward, leading to pandemonium. One individual mentioned armed security personnel releasing "pepper bombs" into the crowd as tensions escalated.
In the wake of the tragedy, the GHF spokesperson blamed Hamas operatives for inciting chaos, while they emphatically denied using tear gas against the crowd, stating any use of force was solely for crowd control.
The incident has gained international attention, with the UN highlighting a severe lack of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as hundreds of thousands are forced to gather at only a few aid distribution points. The increasing desperation for aid exacerbates tensions, leading to violent encounters at these sites, as noted by United Nations representatives.
Calls for improved oversight and safety at the GHF distribution centers have intensified following this incident, as the realities of the ongoing conflict create increasingly dangerous conditions for civilians in pursuit of essential aid.
