At least 31 people have been killed and 200 more injured near an aid distribution site in central Gaza, according to Palestinian officials — as Israeli tanks and drones reportedly opened fire early this morning.
🏥 Hospitals overwhelmed after deadly strike
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defence, said the casualties occurred near a humanitarian aid point in Wadi Gaza. Medics rushed the wounded to the Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat and Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City.
He claimed the deaths were caused by “Israeli tank and drone fire”.
The Israeli military, however, said troops had fired warning shots at what they described as “suspects who posed a threat” — hundreds of metres away from the aid site and before it opened.
“We are aware of reports of injuries, but the numbers do not match our data,” a spokesperson added.
Israel has previously accused Hamas of obstructing aid efforts — claims strongly denied by Palestinian authorities.
⚔️ Hamas claims Israel is backing local gang
Elsewhere in Gaza, tensions flared as Hamas accused Israeli forces of intervening to protect a criminal militia leader during recent clashes.
Fighting broke out in Rafah between Hamas fighters and a faction led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a notorious local gang figure who, according to Hamas, has been armed by Israel.
“Had it not been for the intervention of the Zionist air force to protect the traitor Yasser Abu Shabab … he would have been in the grip of the resistance today,” a Hamas statement claimed.
The militant group said it had already killed 50 members of the militia and vowed to continue pursuing Abu Shabab.
“The occupation’s protection of him will not last — we will reach him sooner or later,” Hamas added.
The claims come amid ongoing Israeli military operations across the Strip and reports of deepening divisions among Palestinian armed groups.
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