Fact Check: "Israeli forces kill at least 25 people waiting for aid in Gaza."
What We Know
On June 24, 2025, reports emerged that Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of people waiting for aid trucks in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, according to Palestinian witnesses and local hospitals. The Awda hospital in Nuseirat confirmed that they received numerous casualties, stating that 146 people were also injured, with 62 in critical condition (AP News). Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with claims that tanks and drones targeted individuals as they approached the aid trucks (Washington Post).
The Israeli military acknowledged the incident but stated they were reviewing reports of casualties, asserting that their troops had fired warning shots at individuals they deemed suspicious (AP News). This incident is part of a broader context where the Hamas-run health ministry claims that over 400 Palestinians have been killed in similar incidents since late May 2025, often involving crowds gathering for food aid (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Israeli forces killed at least 25 people while they were waiting for aid is supported by multiple eyewitness accounts and hospital reports. However, the Israeli military's response indicates a complex situation where they assert that their actions were precautionary, aimed at preventing potential threats from individuals approaching their positions.
The reliability of the sources varies. The Associated Press and Washington Post are generally considered credible news organizations, providing detailed accounts from multiple eyewitnesses and official statements. However, the Israeli military's statements should be viewed with caution, as they may reflect a bias towards justifying military actions in a highly contentious environment (BBC).
Moreover, the context of ongoing conflict and the high casualty rates reported by the Hamas-run health ministry complicate the narrative. While the health ministry's figures are alarming, they do not distinguish between combatants and civilians, which can lead to inflated casualty numbers (Reuters).
In summary, while the claim that 25 people were killed is corroborated by credible sources, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the military's justification for their actions introduce nuances that complicate the overall understanding of the event.
Conclusion
The claim that "Israeli forces kill at least 25 people waiting for aid in Gaza" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence supporting the occurrence of the incident and the reported casualties, the context of the Israeli military's actions and the ongoing conflict must be considered. The situation is complex, with both sides presenting narratives that reflect their perspectives and justifications.
