Gaza: At least 20 Palestinians were killed in a stampede at a food distribution centre operated by a US-based organisation in Gaza on Wednesday. The incident occurred amid a deepening humanitarian crisis, with severe food shortages following continued Israeli military operations in the region.
According to the organisation, the stampede broke out when large crowds surged in desperation for food. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) alleged that the chaos was instigated by Hamas militants, while the Israeli military claimed that armed militants had infiltrated civilian groups. Eyewitnesses reported that some individuals attempted to enter the facility before it opened, prompting GHF security personnel to use stun grenades and pepper spray. Panic and overcrowding near the fenced centre led to the fatal incident. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, with local hospital authorities reporting 54 deaths, including 14 children.