Casualties Reported in Gaza Amid Distribution of Aid
The Civil Defense in Gaza has confirmed that 21 individuals lost their lives early Tuesday due to gunfire from the Israeli military near a humanitarian aid distribution center close to the Gaza Valley Bridge in central Gaza.
Spokesperson Mahmoud Bessal informed a news agency that emergency teams transported “at least 21 martyrs and over 150 injuries” as a result of gunfire and artillery shelling from Israeli forces directed at thousands of citizens waiting for aid near a U.S. aid center between the Martyrs’ Junction (Netzarim) and the Gaza Valley Bridge. The injured were taken to Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat Camp.
Al-Awda Hospital released a statement confirming it received “at least 21 deceased individuals and approximately 150 injured,” pointing out that among the wounded, “62 are in critical condition due to fire from Israeli forces near the Gaza Valley Bridge” in central Gaza.
Eyewitnesses reported that around 1:45 AM local time, thousands of Palestinians gathered near the Netzarim Junction, located a short distance from the aid distribution center.
One witness recounted that the Israeli military “fired bullets and several artillery shells simultaneously with gunfire from Israeli drones directed at the thousands of citizens waiting for aid as they approached the Netzarim Junction near the Gaza Valley Bridge,” resulting in both fatalities and injuries.