A devastating event near Gaza City last week, now infamously termed the “Flour Massacre,” has taken a contentious turn. Initial claims by Israeli officials suggesting most victims died due to a stampede are being starkly contradicted by emerging evidence of gunshot wounds among the casualties. The incident occurred when Israeli troops reportedly fired upon a large crowd of Palestinians gathered for food distribution, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
What was meant to be a food distribution for starving Palestinians turned into a horrifying scene, with reports indicating Israeli troops fired upon the crowd. Contrary to Israeli claims that a stampede was the major cause of casualties, new findings suggest otherwise.
“We had been waiting for hours, hoping for some relief,” recounted Hajj Mahmoud Daghmash, a survivor. “But as soon as we spotted the trucks, gunfire ensued. It was chaos.”
Dr. Mohammed Salha of Al-Awda Hospital noted a disturbing trend among the casualties. “Over 80% of the victims we treated had gunshot wounds,” he revealed, indicating a significant discrepancy from official statements.
A UN team visiting Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital corroborated these findings, observing a “large number of gunshot wounds” among patients.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has been at the forefront of investigating the massacre. Their recent statement highlighted the nature of the wounds. “Many victims bore injuries from 5.56×45 mm NATO bullets, common in the IDF’s arsenal,” the monitor reported, adding weight to the argument against the stampede narrative.
The international community has been quick to respond, with numerous calls for a thorough investigation. “Israel must end its campaign of starvation and targeting of civilians,” stated a group of UN special rapporteurs, expressing global outrage over the incident.
The International Court of Justice had previously flagged Israel’s actions in Gaza as potentially genocidal. “Israel is not respecting its international legal obligations,” the UN experts added, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink, with hospitals like Kamal Adwan reporting malnutrition and dehydration deaths. “Famine in northern Gaza has reached fatal levels,” said ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra, painting a bleak picture of the situation.
The tragedy at the Kuwait Roundabout, where another attack reportedly took place, has only added urgency to the calls for humanitarian corridors into Gaza. “The real answer is to open the crossing and bring meaningful assistance,” urged Philippe Lazzarini of the UN.
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