The Israeli newspaper Haaretz writes that at least five Palestinians have been shot dead by Israeli forces at distribution sites. Tens are said to have been injured.
According to the Gaza Health Authority, which is controlled by Hamas, at least four people are said to have died on the outskirts of Rafah when they approached one of the GHF distribution sites in the morning.
”It was a trap”
They said it would be safe from six in the morning to six in the evening, so why did they start shooting at us? says witness Zahed Ben Hassan.
We didn't know how to escape. This was a trap, not humanitarian aid, says 30-year-old Adham Dahman, who is being treated in hospital and claims to have been fired at by a tank.
The Israeli-American GHF, which began distributing humanitarian aid last week, has received sharp criticism from several quarters. The UN and other established organizations have been kicked out and the operation cannot live up to humanitarian principles, it has been pointed out from the UN and by other assessors. The operation is also of relatively limited scope.
Hundred dead
GHF announces that two more distribution sites will be opened on Sunday.
According to the Gaza authorities, which are under the highest control of the extremist movement Hamas, at least 110 Palestinians have been shot dead by Israeli forces at or on the way to GHF's distribution sites in the past week.