Israel’s killing of Palestinians rushing for food aid in northern Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation from several countries, aid groups, and human rights organisations. Israeli forces killed at least 112 Palestinians and wounded more than 750 in the mass shooting which occurred at the Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City on Thursday.
Several countries from around the world, aid groups, and human rights organisations have joined forces in denouncing the Israeli actions, calling for an immediate investigation into what they termed a blatant violation of international law.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed shock over the killings of aid-seeking Palestinians by Israeli forces. Taking to Twitter, Baerbock stressed the urgent need for more humanitarian aid in Gaza, stating that people there are “closer to dying than alive.” Baerbock called on the Israeli army to provide a full explanation of the events leading to the mass panic and shooting, extending condolences to the families of the victims affected by the incident.
France Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné of France called for an independent investigation into the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the targeting of civilians by Israeli soldiers.
Lebanon’s foreign ministry condemned the deliberate killing of Palestinian civilians and echoed the call for an independent investigation into the Gaza incident. The White House has termed the deaths of over 100 Palestinians gathered around aid trucks in Gaza as “tremendously alarming,” but stopped short of condemning Israel’s actions.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry stated that an additional four children succumbed to starvation and dehydration in the northern part of the Palestinian territory.
In response to the humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, the Jordanian army conducted three airdrops of food aid, joining other nations like Egypt in providing assistance. The United States and Canada are reportedly considering similar actions to address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict. Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reported that Jordan conducted 48 aid package airdrops.
However, Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk criticised the airdrops, deeming them negligible and arguing that they perpetuate the blockade strategy.
The Gaza health ministry reports at least 30,228 Palestinians were killed and 71,377 injured in Israel’s deadly military offensive which began on 7 October. In the past 24 hours alone, 193 Palestinians were killed and 920 wounded, including those killed and injured in the Israeli attack on Palestinian aid seekers.
Over 200 Members of Parliament from 12 countries have committed to persuading their governments to impose a ban on arms sales to Israel, citing a grave violation of international law.
