Health officials in Gaza reported on Thursday that more than 70 people have been killed and at least 280 wounded near Gaza City, as a result of what they say was Israeli fire on a crowd awaiting aid.
Despite these claims, a spokesperson for the Israeli military stated they were not aware of any shelling in that location.
According to Ashraf al-Qidra, the Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson, the incident occurred at the al-Nabusi roundabout in the northern region of Gaza. Al-Qidra mentioned that medical teams at al-Shifa hospital were overwhelmed by both the number and severity of the injuries brought in.
Adding to the details, Hussam Abu Safieyah, who heads Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza City, confirmed they had received 10 deceased individuals and numerous injured from the incident to the west of the city. He expressed uncertainty about the number of victims in other facilities.
This violent episode has provoked a statement from Hamas, indicating that it could derail ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.
The conflict in Gaza, which began with an incursion by Hamas fighters into Israel on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 253 hostages as per Israeli records.
Social media videos have shown several trucks filled with bodies. Reuters confirmed one such video from al-Nabulsi roundabout, which depicted multiple motionless men alongside several injured individuals.
Reiterating their stance on the reported shelling, an Israeli military spokesperson said, “There is no knowledge of Israeli shelling in the area.”
