Background on Key Figures and Context
On July 6, Israel and Hamás initiated indirect negotiations in Qatar aiming for a 60-day truce and the release of hostages held in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and the United States, announced the death of 20 individuals seeking aid, blaming armed men for causing a “stampede.” Palestinian sources disputed this version.
The GHF, which began operations on May 26—more than two months after Israel ceased humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip amid intense bombing and impending mass starvation—has consistently reported uneventful distribution operations. However, due to restrictions imposed by Israel on press access and logistical challenges, AFP cannot independently verify the claims of various parties.
GHF’s Statement and Allegations
According to the GHF, 19 victims died from being trampled while one was stabbed amidst a chaotic and dangerous stampede. Spokesperson Chapin Fay later stated that armed agents from Hamás infiltrated the crowd, deliberately instigating chaos. He denied any gunfire directed at the crowd or the use of tear gas, except for “warning shots fired into the air” when GHF staff noticed a child being trampled.
Gaza Civil Defense Report
The Gaza Civil Defense also reported 20 fatalities, attributing them to Israeli “shootings” following a stampede of people waiting for food distribution in the Al Tina area, southwest of Jan Yunis. A medical source at Naser Hospital reported a lower death toll, confirming nine fatalities—including several children—after Israeli forces and GHF security personnel opened fire.
UN Report and Humanitarian Concerns
Since late May, the UN has recorded 875 deaths in Gaza while seeking food, with 674 near GHF facilities. The UN and major humanitarian organizations refuse to collaborate with the GHF, accusing it of violating humanitarian principles.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened at the Gaza aid center? A stampede occurred at a food distribution center in Gaza, resulting in 20 deaths. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) blamed armed men from Hamás for instigating the chaos, while Palestinian sources and eyewitness accounts suggest otherwise.
- Who is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)? The GHF is a private organization that started distributing aid in Gaza in May 2023, following Israel’s suspension of humanitarian deliveries due to the ongoing conflict.
- Why are there discrepancies in death tolls and accounts? Restrictions imposed by Israel on press access and logistical challenges make it difficult for news agencies like AFP to independently verify the various claims and accounts.
- What are the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamás? Indirect negotiations in Qatar aim to establish a 60-day truce and secure the release of hostages in Gaza, in exchange for freeing Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
- Why is there mistrust between the parties involved? Both Israel and Hamás accuse each other of hindering the negotiation process, casting doubt on the prospects for a near-term agreement.
