Incident at Gaza aid centre killed at least 21, Red Cross says

A south Gaza Red Cross field hospital had a large influx of people who sustained shrapnel or gunshot wounds, following conflicting reports about a Rafah aid centre incident, the BBC reported on June 1st.

A total of 21 people were “dead upon arrival,” according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The statement from the ICRC followed Gaza’s civil defence agency announcing that at least 31 people had died and scores more were wounded, due to the incident. The agency said “Israeli gunfire” had been aimed at civilians.

However, the Israel Defense forces (IDF) said the data gathered from a preliminary investigation found that the forces had not opened fire on people while they were close to the aid distribution centre, or in it.

This incident follows earlier attacks on Gaza’s healthcare system. On January 3rd, Israeli airstrikes killed Dr. Thabat Salim, a neonatal specialist,  according to the New Arab. The International Planned Parenthood Federation, accused the U.S. of enabling the violence through military aid.

A strike on the surgery department of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed five people, Reuters reported on March 24th. The Israeli military said the strike was based on intelligence targeting a “key terrorist,” and confirmed the intended target was Barhoum.

BBC, The New Arab, Reuters