31 Palestinians Killed Scrambling For Food at GHF Centre
By Yadnom Awu/Asaba
At least 31 persons have been killed today in Israeli attacks at food distribution centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ( GHF) in Gaza.
In the GHF Centre at Rafah , Israeli troops owned fire as tens of thousands of starving Gazans massed up, scrambling for humanitarian aid.
Conservative estimates hold that aside from the dead, no fewer than 200 others were wounded in the attacks and the scramble at the centre.
Many of the wounded had gun shot wounds to the head, eye or heart, and were promptly taken to barely functional hospitals.
In a second incident, Israeli troops opened fire when thousands of starving residents stormed the Netzarim distribution centre.
Medics said at least one person died in that incident, in which scores were also wounded.
Today’s incident is the fourth in as many days after the GHF, in breach of existing regulations of the United Nations (UN), assumed responsibility for aid distribution in Gaza.
The UN had been responsible for humanitarian activities in the enclave via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, which has now been barred by Israel, after accusing it of backing Hamas, which it tags a terrorist group.
The UN and other humanitarian interests have distanced themselves from the GHF which is operated by a private American security firm on behalf of Israel and its main backer, America.
More than 50 persons have died from Israeli gunfire since the controversial GHF began humanitarian activities in Palestine.
Both the UN and humanitarian groups say there is a virtual famine in Gaza following months of total blockade of the strip.
