NAIROBI: African Union chief Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday accused Israel of “the mass killing of innocent Palestinians” and urged an international probe after over 100 people died in Israeli fire on a food aid distribution point in war-torn Gaza.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday when Israeli troops opened fire as Palestinian civilians scrambled for food supplies that the territory’s health ministry said killed more than 100 people in Gaza City.
“Mahamat strongly condemns an attack by Israeli forces, that killed and wounded more than 100 Palestinians seeking life-saving humanitarian aid,” African Union said in a statement dated Friday but posted on X on Saturday.
“The Chairperson calls for an international investigation into the incident to bring the perpetrators to account,” the statement said, urging “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza”.
Israeli Forces Kill Over 100 Palestinians Gathered for Food Aid
The chaotic scene unfolded as Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian civilians who were scrambling for food supplies from a convoy of 38 aid trucks in Gaza City. The territory’s health ministry reported that more than 100 people were killed, with over 750 wounded in the Israeli fire. Gaza’s health ministry labeled the attack a “massacre.”
The Israeli military described the situation as a “stampede” that ensued when thousands of Gazans surrounded the aid convoy. They admitted to opening fire on the crowd, citing a perceived threat to their forces.
Amidst calls for an international investigation into the incident, President Joe Biden announced that the United States would initiate relief efforts by delivering supplies into Gaza via air drops. This move aims to provide aid to hard-to-reach areas and alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the recent violence.
The deaths resulting from the attack on the aid convoy have added to the staggering toll of Palestinian casualties in Gaza, with over 30,000 reported dead, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry. Israel’s military has reported 242 soldier fatalities since the commencement of ground operations in late October.
