Fact Check: "At least 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution sites operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry."
What We Know
The claim that "at least 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution sites operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" originates from reports by the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. According to these reports, the fatalities occurred as Palestinians attempted to access food aid at these sites, which were opened following a partial lifting of a blockade by Israel. The BBC confirmed that the health ministry reported 22 deaths, with 20 occurring at the al-Alam center in Rafah and two others at a site in the Netzarim corridor. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they were investigating these reports.
Furthermore, the UN human rights chief has condemned the situation, stating that Israel's military actions are causing "horrifying, unconscionable suffering" to the Palestinian population in Gaza (BBC). The health ministry also indicated that prior to this incident, over 300 Palestinians had been killed and more than 2,600 wounded near these aid distribution sites since operations began on May 26, 2023 (BBC).
Analysis
The reliability of the sources reporting this claim is mixed. The primary source, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, is often viewed with skepticism due to its political affiliations and potential biases. However, the consistency of reports from multiple outlets, including the BBC and Washington Post, lends some credibility to the claim. The IDF's acknowledgment of investigating the reports suggests that there is an element of truth to the claims made by the health ministry, even if the IDF contests the total death toll and attributes some violence to Hamas (Washington Post).
Witness accounts further corroborate the health ministry's claims, with individuals describing chaotic scenes where gunfire erupted as crowds gathered for aid (Washington Post). The situation has been described as increasingly dangerous, with reports of hundreds of casualties since the distribution sites opened (BBC).
However, it is important to note that the IDF has previously stated that its troops fired warning shots and that many of the casualties may have resulted from individuals approaching military-controlled areas (Washington Post). This complicates the narrative, as it raises questions about the context in which these deaths occurred.
Conclusion
The claim that "at least 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution sites operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including the Hamas-run health ministry and corroborating reports from international news organizations, supports this assertion. Despite the potential biases of the reporting entities, the consistency of the information and the acknowledgment of the IDF regarding the investigation into these incidents lend credence to the claim.
Sources
- More than 20 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near Gaza aid site ... BBC
- 34 Palestinians killed in new shootings near food ... Washington Post
- Dozens killed while seeking aid in Gaza, hospitals say BBC
- At least 8 dead in shooting near Israeli and U.S.-supported ... NPR
- At least 20 more Palestinians killed, 200 wounded near aid site in ... CBC
- Palestinians say Israeli troops fire on Gazans trying to ... CBS News
