GAZA, July 20 (V7N) — At least 32 civilians were killed early Saturday morning in Gaza after Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution site, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
 
The incident occurred at dawn as a large group of civilians approached a location that had previously been used to distribute humanitarian aid. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that most of the victims were seeking assistance and were unarmed.
 
The Israeli military issued a statement claiming that its forces had fired "warning shots" at a group of suspects who had approached Israeli troops and failed to comply with verbal commands to stop. The military noted the site was inactive at the time and was located approximately one kilometer away from the troops’ position.
 
However, eyewitness accounts contradict the Israeli narrative. Mohammed al-Khalidi, a Gaza resident who was present at the scene, told local reporters, “We thought they [Israeli soldiers] came to organize us for aid distribution. Suddenly, jeeps arrived from one direction and tanks from the other. Without warning, they opened fire.”
 
Medical teams rushed to the area but were initially prevented from reaching some of the wounded due to ongoing gunfire. Video footage verified by humanitarian observers shows unarmed civilians, including women and children, lying injured along the roadside.
 
International humanitarian agencies have expressed deep concern over the growing number of civilian casualties in Gaza, especially those killed while attempting to access essential aid. The United Nations has repeatedly called for the establishment of safe corridors and coordinated aid delivery mechanisms in Gaza, where more than 80% of the population is now dependent on external assistance.
 
As of this report, the identities of the deceased are still being confirmed. The incident adds to the mounting civilian death toll in Gaza, where hundreds have died in recent weeks amid escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
 
International human rights organizations are calling for an independent investigation into the shooting.
 
The Israeli government has yet to issue a formal apology or offer compensation to the victims’ families.
 
END/WD/AJ/