Israeli tank fire killed at least 51 Palestinians on Tuesday, 17 June, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to the local health ministry. Many others were injured.
Medical teams said the shelling struck a large group of people waiting for aid along a main road. Witnesses claimed two shells hit the area where thousands had gathered. At least 20 of the wounded remain in critical condition.
The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.
Nasser Hospital struggled to treat the influx of patients. With rooms full, staff treated people in corridors and on the floor.
Recurring violence at aid distribution sites
This is not the first time aid seekers have come under fire. On Monday, local officials said Israeli forces shot and killed 23 people near a US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid site in Rafah.
The GHF later said it had delivered over three million meals at its four distribution points without incident.
The Israeli military gave no response to Monday’s deaths. In past events, it admitted firing near aid areas, blaming nearby militants for the clashes.
Israel has given GHF the lead role in distributing aid inside Gaza. These sites are guarded by Israeli forces. However, the United Nations has raised concerns. It says the setup is unsafe, unbalanced, and fails to meet humanitarian standards.
Gaza crisis grows amid ongoing conflict
The current conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. Around 1,200 people were killed, and militants took roughly 250 hostages.
In response, Israel began a large-scale military operation in Gaza. Gaza’s health ministry says nearly 55,000 Palestinians have died. Most of the population is now displaced, and many face severe food shortages.
International courts are reviewing accusations of war crimes and genocide. Israel has rejected all charges.
Gaza civilians struggle to survive
Life in Gaza continues to deteriorate. People lack food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. Hospitals operate beyond capacity, and humanitarian groups warn of rising famine and disease.
Despite some aid deliveries, needs far outweigh supplies. Infrastructure damage and constant fighting make distribution dangerous and difficult.
Regional tensions increase with Iranian involvement
Meanwhile, conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated. Last week, Israel launched strikes, prompting missile attacks from Iran. The exchange has raised fears of a wider regional war.
Some in Gaza said the strikes on Israeli cities gave them a sense of justice. “We see rubble in Tel Aviv like we see here every day,” said Gaza resident Saad Saad.
Another local, Taysseir Mohaissan, said Iran had shown restraint for years but had now acted. He called the attack “a lesson” for Israel.
Talks led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have yet to bring a ceasefire. Both Israel and Hamas continue to blame each other for the deadlock.
Hamas leaders have publicly thanked Iran for military and financial support during the war.
