Israeli Forces Kill 25 Aid Seekers, Injure 146 in Central Gaza

Israeli forces and drones opened fire on crowds of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in central Gaza near the Netzarim corridor, killing at least 25 people and injuring 146, with 62 in critical condition. Eyewitnesses described the event as a massacre, with tanks and drones firing even as people tried to flee, and reported chaotic and bloody scenes as people moved toward the aid trucks. Hospitals in Nuseirat refugee camp and Deir al-Balah received many of the casualties, including six bodies from the incident. Palestinian officials and health workers accuse Israeli forces of repeatedly targeting civilians during aid distributions, allegations Israel denies, claiming it only fires warning shots when troops are approached suspiciously. This incident adds to the death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 56,000 Palestinians since the conflict began in October 2023. The new aid distribution system, supported by the US and Israeli governments and run by an American contractor, has been marred by violence, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for review.