Doha (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — In a tragic turn of events on Tuesday (12/03/2024), at least seven individuals lost their lives while over 20 others sustained injuries as Israeli forces opened fire on a group of Palestinian civilians queuing for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. The report was disclosed by Qatar-based television network Al Araby.
The shooting incident unfolded near Kuwait Roundabout in northern Gaza, occurring less than two weeks after a similar occurrence transpired.
Palestinian authorities stated that on February 29, the Israeli military discharged gunfire towards a crowd in Gaza City awaiting humanitarian assistance. Consequently, 112 people perished, with 760 others wounded.
Israel has refuted the casualty figures, deeming them excessively high, and asserted that a considerable portion of the fatalities resulted from individuals being trampled amidst the rush for aid-laden trucks.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conveyed that their troops resorted to firing after several Palestinian civilians approached tanks and IDF personnel.
Back on October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated a large-scale rocket assault on Israel from Gaza, breaching the border. The onslaught claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals, while Hamas held 240 others hostage.
In retaliation, Israel launched extensive airstrikes, imposing a complete blockade on Gaza. Ground operations were also conducted within the Palestinian enclave to “eliminate Hamas militants and free the hostages.”
According to local authorities, at least 31,100 individuals have perished in the Gaza Strip.
On November 24, Qatar mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a prisoner exchange and ceasefire, facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The ceasefire was extended multiple times before concluding on December 1.
Over 100 individuals are believed to remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza.
In a preliminary ruling in January, the International Court of Justice mandated Israel to cease genocidal actions and take measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilian populations in Gaza.
Source: Sputnik
