Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed and facing collapse due to the inflow of mass casualties. Violence is increasing around the humanitarian aid distribution centers operated by the Global Health Foundation (GHF). Nothing could have foreseen how an attack on Sunday morning close to one of GHF’s facilities would suddenly raise the stakes. Over 30 people were killed, and dozens at least were wounded. Initially, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had attributed this to Hamas’s fault. They claimed that Hamas wanted to undermine a recently introduced aid delivery system and create disorder in southern Gaza.
Aside from the protests, GHF has made it clear that we do not condone this violence. The organization argued that it should only have to comment on activities taking place within the boundary of its facilities. Everything beyond that fence line, as GHF argues, is the responsibility of the IDF. Israeli authorities are conducting ongoing investigations into the incidents. That these attacks’ targets were civilians making their way to the distribution point is all the more appalling.
Casualties and Conditions at Medical Facilities
The situation at local hospitals is dire. Dr. Mohammed Saqer, director of nursing at Al-Shifa Medical Complex, the largest hospital in Gaza, shared disturbing numbers. They told us that ninety percent of the injuries coming to their facility are in the high torso/head region. Second, this shocking figure means that most severely injured patients are in what they refer to as a “tera serious condition.”
“Unfortunately, 90 per cent of the casualties coming to an Nasser medical complex were injured in the upper parts of the body,” – Dr. Mohammed Saqer
Dr. Saqer further emphasized the hospital’s capacity challenges, stating, “We can no longer deal with more cases because all of the hospital beds, in addition to ICU beds, are occupied now — we no longer can provide more care to patients if others came to the emergency department in the future.”
Together, these two factors mean that our hospitals are nearing capacity. According to the latest reports at least 27 Palestinians have been killed and dozens more wounded at GHF’s aid distribution location. Firsthand testimonies highlight that people in need encountered deadly circumstances while attempting to receive help.
Eyewitness Accounts of Violence
Motaz Alfarati was one of the 18 civilians killed in the crossfire during the shooting attack near a GHF implementation site. He shared a shocking story while sitting in a hospital on a cot, exposing the bandages wrapped around his mid-section wound.
“In one moment we heard the noise of Apache helicopters, they were throwing sound grenades around us and on the asphalt, and anyone who doesn’t stand and who moved was shot at by a sniper in his head, in his leg, in his stomach,” – Motaz Alfarati
Alfarati was forced to wait more than an hour for assistance after being shot. Through powerful imagery, he recounted the mayhem and urgency of people trying to collect aid. He was moved that thousands had flocked, in desperation, to get help. Unfortunately, they discovered that supplies were not able to keep up with the crushing demand.
“There were thousands and thousands who came to the area in order to take aid, but there is not enough for a thousand,” – Motaz Alfarati
Alfarati said the outreach is far-reaching for all those in need. He recognized environmental justice leaders from different districts who rallied to the site, but many drove home without an answer.
“There were people from Beit Lahiya, Jabalia and Gaza City in order to take aid — they come from the different districts and 90 per cent don’t take any.” – Motaz Alfarati
IDF Response and International Concerns
Despite this, the IDF has continuously claimed that it has been doing all it can to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer stated, “The IDF is doing everything in its power to allow Gazans to get to the humanitarian aid.” He has maintained that military personnel are not stopping civilians from accessing humanitarian sites but rather facilitating their access.
The countless accounts we have documented show that IDF soldiers shot warning shots at least 500m away from the nearest aid facility. This took place when certain Palestinians deviated from their permitted routes. Israeli authorities have made public promises to investigate these incidents. They noted that warning shots were fired by troops as they sought to disperse the crowd.
Civilian security has been a major concern for international observers on the ground in the midst of these highly violent clashes. Jeremy Laurence highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that “deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are unconscionable.” He cautioned that blocking access to critical supplies could constitute war crimes.
“The wilful impediment of access to food and other life-sustaining relief supplies for civilians may constitute a war crime.” – Jeremy Laurence
The pressures are beginning to boil over. Local and international must act immediately to contain the damage and secure unimpeded humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable and avoid further loss of life.
