Gaza City, Gaza Strip – In a tragic event known as the “Flour Massacre,” more than 100 Palestinians were killed and 700 injured during an aid delivery on February 29. Eyewitnesses reported Israeli soldiers opening fire on civilians seeking food aid, sparking chaos and devastation. This incident marked one of the deadliest mass casualty events in Gaza, following a period of Israeli restrictions on aid and a campaign of attacks on civilians.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence revealed a harrowing scene of desperation as individuals risked their lives to obtain much-needed supplies for their families. Despite conflicting narratives from Gazan and Israeli officials, the grim reality of the situation painted a picture of immense suffering and loss. The aftermath of the shooting showed bodies strewn along the coast, with survivors recounting the chaos and trauma they experienced.
Under the cover of darkness, the aid convoy crossed into northern Gaza, accompanied by Israeli tanks. The sequence of events leading to the violence remains contentious, with questions raised about the necessity and proportionality of the military’s response. Despite claims of warning shots and crowd dispersal, forensic analysis and eyewitness testimonies cast doubt on the official explanation.
As the world grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy, humanitarian organizations like Ummah Welfare Trust faced the sobering reality of aid work in conflict zones. The juxtaposition of bloodied aid boxes and desperate pleas for assistance highlighted the complex and dangerous landscape of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
With the ongoing blockade and escalating tensions in the region, concerns over the safe distribution of aid persist. The role of the Israeli military in facilitating humanitarian operations has come under scrutiny, especially in light of previous incidents of violence targeting civilians seeking assistance. As the international community grapples with the fallout from the “Flour Massacre,” the need for accountability and transparency looms large in the quest for justice and peace.