US looking into claims of IDF fire in Gaza aid disaster - White House
"We mourn the loss of innocent life and recognize the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where innocent Palestinians are just trying to feed their families," said White House member
The White House said on Thursday it is looking into reports of Israeli fire on Palestinians waiting for aid near Gaza City, describing it as a "serious incident."
"We mourn the loss of innocent life and recognize the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where innocent Palestinians are just trying to feed their families," a White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement.
"This underscores the importance of expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, including through a potential temporary ceasefire."
UN response to the transfer of aid supplies
UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said on Thursday he was appalled at the reported killings and injuries of people during the transfer of aid supplies west of Gaza City.
"Even after close to five months of brutal hostilities, Gaza still has the ability to shock us," Griffiths said in a post on X. "I'm appalled at the reported killing and injury of hundreds of people during a transfer of aid supplies west of Gaza City today."
Life is draining out of Gaza at terrifying speed. pic.twitter.com/5Wd4w8aurX
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 29, 2024
Health authorities in Gaza said on Thursday that Israeli fire on people waiting for aid near Gaza City had killed 104 Palestinians and wounded 280, with one hospital saying it had received ten bodies and dozens of injured patients.
Israel disputed the account and the death toll provided by health officials in Hamas-run Gaza, saying aid trucks had been surrounded by hundreds of people and in the confusion, many were trampled or run over, though it acknowledged its forces had later opened fire.
UN chief condemns deaths in Gaza while waiting for 'life-saving aid'
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned a deadly incident in northern Gaza on Thursday "in which more than a hundred people were reportedly killed or injured while seeking life-saving aid," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
"The desperate civilians in Gaza need urgent help, including those in the besieged north where the United Nations has not been able to deliver aid in more than a week," he said, adding that Guterres again called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
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