Tragedy in the Gaza Strip: Israeli tanks opened fire on people trying to get food supplies
Following recent tragic events in the Gaza Strip, reports have emerged of numerous casualties during attempts by civilians to access humanitarian aid. According to Palestinian medical sources with access to the scene, at least 59 people were killed on Tuesday as a result of shelling by Israeli tanks, with over 200 others injured of varying severity. This is one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months, marking another tragic chapter in the ongoing conflict. The story of this tragic incident began in the morning when several thousand Palestinians gathered near humanitarian trucks moving along the main road in Khan Younis, trying to obtain essential food supplies. After a three-month blockade imposed by Israel to restrict supplies to the region, humanitarian assistance has become the only means for the population to survive. At the same time, tensions grew due to constant restrictions, and the crowd sought to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire needed resources. According to eyewitnesses, the situation quickly turned into a tragedy. Witnesses report that Israeli tanks stationed nearby suddenly opened fire on the crowd, which numbered at least several thousand people. Videos posted on social media show mangled bodies scattered across the streets. The footage depicts about a dozen mutilated bodies lying prostrate on the streets of Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. Eyewitnesses present at the time of the shelling describe that Israeli armed forces fired at least two rounds at a group of people gathered at the main bridge through the city in hopes of receiving aid. "We were in an open area when suddenly there was a loud bang, and explosions started. People began to fall one after another — it was horrific. We were allowed to move a bit forward, and then tank shells started to hit. Many were wounded, some — killed," said Nasser, a resident hospitalized with injuries from the tragedy. Medical facilities in Khan Younis have registered over 200 wounded, with at least 20 in critical condition. Monitoring organizations report that this tragedy has become the deadliest single-day incident since humanitarian corridors were reopened in the region in May of this year. Official sources from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) — the Israeli military — confirmed the shelling later in the day and announced an internal investigation into the circumstances. In an official statement, they reported that troops observed a gathering of people near a humanitarian aid truck in the Khan Younis area. The IDF representatives expressed regret over any casualties and assured that their actions are aimed at ensuring military security, preventing violence, and minimizing harm to civilians. At the same time, the statement notes that the military is examining all circumstances, as intense clashes were ongoing at the time of the attack, and they had to respond accordingly. The Palestinian Ministry of Health officially confirmed that since late May, at least 397 Palestinians attempting to access humanitarian aid have been killed by Israeli security forces. Over 3,000 people have been injured of varying severity, with more than 400 in critical condition. Each new incident of shelling deepens the tragedy and demonstrates the ruthless nature of this ongoing conflict. This incident is yet another illustration of the toll paid by the most vulnerable — civilians — for ongoing fighting and political confrontations. Over the past few weeks, the region has experienced almost daily escalations of violence, including shootings and raids, promises from both sides, but also severe humanitarian crises. The background to this difficult conflict includes a large-scale military operation launched by the Israeli army on May 19, in response to mass attacks and a sudden deterioration of the situation in the region. Reports indicated that Operation "Gideon’s Wheels" aimed to regain control over strategic areas in Gaza and suppress Palestinian militants’ resistance. These actions have elicited broad international attention and active calls for an end to violence and diplomatic solutions. Amid ongoing military operations in the region, diplomatic efforts continue. An official spokesperson for the Israeli government stated that the country is prepared to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered in necessary amounts, but emphasized the need to ensure military safety and prevent misuse by Palestinian authorities and militants. The international community has called for restraint and for removing obstacles to supply provisions and medicine into the region. European countries funding humanitarian operations in Gaza have urged Israel to restore humanitarian corridors and ensure safe access for aid to civilians. Overall, the situation in the Gaza Strip remains extremely tense and unpredictable. Frequent news updates, driven by new casualties and shelling incidents, reflect the complexity and deep crisis afflicting the region. The global community increasingly calls for a peaceful resolution, but human tragedies are gradually becoming a normal aspect of this conflict, leaving the most vulnerable — civilians — defenseless, often drawn into invisible battles driven by political and military interests.