Health authorities in Gaza say Israeli troops killed more than 100 civilians waiting for aid on Thursday. This comes as the number of Palestinian deaths has surpassed 30,000 since October.
United Nations officials said “life is draining out” of Gaza at terrifying speed. They saw another example of that as civilians gathered around aid trucks delivering food and water. Local officials said Israeli troops opened fire, killing 112 and injuring 760. Hamas leaders describe it as a “massacre.”
Israeli Government Spokesperson Avi Hyman called what happened a “tragedy” but claimed the truck drivers were responsible.
Hyman said, “The trucks were overwhelmed. And the people driving the trucks, which were Gazan civilian drivers, plowed into the crowds of people.”
UN officials said they do not know what happened but that the incident shows the chaos in which they are working. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said, “These people died because humanitarian aid has not been delivered in a safe manner.”
Negotiators have been pushing for a ceasefire before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is near the end of next week.
US President Joe Biden had said he hoped for a ceasefire by Monday. However, on Thursday he walked back that statement, admitting the incident will complicate peace talks.
SOURE: NHK, March 01, 2024
