Conflicting Reports Emerge Over Deadly Incident Near Rafah Aid Centre.
Reports from Gaza this morning indicate that dozens of people were killed and over a hundred injured after Israeli tanks allegedly opened fire near an aid distribution centre in Rafah.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, 31 people were killed and more than 200 were taken to hospital, with dozens suffering serious injuries. The ministry claims the casualties occurred as Palestinians attempted to collect aid in the southern Gaza Strip.
However, the Gaza Health Foundation (GHF) has dismissed these reports as “false and fabricated.” A GHF spokesperson stated:
> “All aid was distributed today without incident. There have been no injuries or fatalities.”
> The spokesperson further accused Hamas of spreading misinformation:
> “We have heard that these fake reports have been actively fomented by Hamas. They are untrue and fabricated.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has denied any knowledge of casualties caused by its forces at the aid site. In a separate update, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported operations in Khan Younis, north of Rafah, claiming that troops “eliminated dozens of terrorists” and destroyed “approximately 100 terrorist infrastructure targets.” The IDF also reported neutralizing three individuals carrying explosives and dismantling a 700-metre-long underground tunnel.
BBC Verify is currently investigating the incident and has authenticated two videos showing people running and ducking for cover, with apparent gunfire in the background. The footage is said to have been captured on the Salah al-Din road, near the recently opened aid distribution site in the Netzarim Corridor.
As the situation continues to unfold, the number of reported fatalities varies between sources. Rescuers have claimed 26 deaths and 150 injuries, while the Palestinian Red Crescent reports transporting 23 bodies from the scene.
As the situation continues to unfold, the number of reported fatalities varies between sources. Rescuers have claimed 26 deaths and 150 injuries, while the Palestinian Red Crescent reports transporting 23 bodies from the scene.
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