An IDF source claimed soldiers “felt threatened” and blamed any casualties on the Palestinians
At least 104 Palestinians have been killed and another 750 wounded at an aid distribution point west of Gaza City in what the local health ministry spokesperson Ashaf al-Qidra described as an unprovoked Israeli attack on the civilians waiting for a delivery on Thursday.
Video from the scene of the massacre posted to social media showed people fleeing and taking cover while victims were taken to hospitals by any means available – including donkey carts, as roads to the site had been destroyed. However, it was impossible to confirm from the video what had triggered the deadly chaos.
The Israeli Defense Forces officially acknowledged dozens of injuries and casualties among the crowd, but blamed the victims, claiming they were “pushing and trampling” at the sight of the aid trucks. IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari claimed only a few “warning shots” were fired to disperse the crowd of “looters.”
“We recognize the suffering of the innocent people of Gaza. This is why we are seeking ways to expand our humanitarian efforts.”
Watch the full statement by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari on the incident regarding the humanitarian aid convoy the IDF facilitated. pic.twitter.com/m6Pve3Odqw
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 29, 2024
An Israeli military source not authorized to speak with the press admitted his colleagues fired at the crowd – but blamed the victims for that as well.