More than 100 Palestinians were killed early Thursday morning when Israeli troops opened fire near aid trucks in Gaza City, according to Gaza health officials. The incident, which left at least 112 dead and 280 injured, has drawn international condemnation and threatens to complicate ceasefire negotiations.
The Israeli military denied shooting into large crowds, claiming that most victims died in a crush or were run over by trucks. Soldiers only fired at a small group that approached a checkpoint, a spokesperson said. Witnesses, however, reported bullets striking the crowds, with one hospital director stating most casualties appeared to have been shot.
The United States called for a thorough investigation and urged Israel to ensure basic security in areas under its control. President Joe Biden described the bloodshed as “tremendously alarming” and warned it would complicate efforts to broker a ceasefire before Ramadan. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session, with Secretary-General António Guterres demanding an independent inquiry.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned an “ugly massacre,” while Hamas said the incident could jeopardise talks in Qatar. France, Turkey and Colombia also expressed outrage, with Colombia suspending weapons purchases from Israel. The international community continues to seek clarity on the exact sequence of events.
