Gaza health officials said Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd surrounding a truck carrying aid, killing more than 100 people early Thursday, but Israel said most of the victims died in a stampede or were run over.
The incident not only highlighted the collapse of aid deliveries to war-torn Gaza, but also sparked outrage and calls for an investigation in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.
Palestinians carry a large number of victims of the tragedy to receive aid in Gaza City on February 29, 2024. Photo: Reuters
France and Germany have both backed calls for an international investigation. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "deep indignation" and "strongest condemnation of these shootings". Germany said "the Israeli army must fully explain why mass panic and shootings occurred".
Israel's closest ally, the US, also called for a thorough investigation, saying the incident showed the need to "expand humanitarian aid to Gaza".
India said it was “deeply shocked” by the number of deaths, and Brazil said the incident crossed “moral or legal limits”. South Africa, which has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, condemned the deaths. Israel denies genocide.
On the Israeli side, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for "full support" for Israeli soldiers who "performed brilliantly against Gazan mobs that were trying to harm them". An Israeli official earlier admitted that the army had "reacted insignificantly" by firing at the crowd they believed was posing a threat.
With the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, many countries have called for a ceasefire, but US President Joe Biden said Thursday's incident would complicate negotiations on a deal involving a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)
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