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The Palestinian government in Gaza reported that 125 Palestinians have been killed and 736 wounded in attacks by Israeli forces at U.S.-guided aid distribution points since May 27, as hungry civilians sought food assistance.
Daily attacks continue at aid centers
In a statement from the government's Media Office, officials said Israeli forces continue to commit "horrific massacres against defenseless civilians" at Israeli-U.S. guided humanitarian aid centers.
The statement reported that 13 people were killed and 153 wounded in attacks today when "Israeli army and U.S. security company elements opened fire on civilians struggling with hunger who had gathered near aid centers in Rafah city and the area known as the 'Netzarim Corridor.'"
The Media Office said that since the aid mechanisms began operating on May 27, casualties have reached 125 deaths and 736 injuries, with 9 people still missing. The statement described the centers as "bloody traps" established in open military areas under complete control of Israel and private U.S. security companies, designed to target crowds of hungry people "directly with firearms and explosives."
A previous government statement had reported 110 deaths and 583 injuries from Israeli attacks at the distribution centers between May 27 and June 6, with 9 Palestinians whose bodies could not be recovered.
The "Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation," established in Geneva, Switzerland in February as a purported "non-profit civil society organization," has drawn scrutiny from international observers. According to reports in U.S. and Israeli media, the foundation operates under the direction of Tel Aviv and Washington administrations.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Palestinian government in Gaza have stated that the foundation works toward Tel Aviv's objectives. International media reports suggest the foundation aims to sideline the UN and other independent aid organizations in Gaza relief efforts.
Despite being characterized as "independent" by the United States, the foundation's Executive Director Jake Wood announced his resignation one day before its opening ceremony. Wood stated that implementing the aid plan was "incompatible with humanitarian principles" and that "fundamental principles such as neutrality, humanity and independence cannot be compromised."
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