Israeli forces opened fire on people waiting for relief near Gaza City, killing more than 70 and injuring 280, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. One hospital reported receiving 10 bodies and scores of injured patients.
A representative for Israel’s military denied culpability for the carnage, claiming he had no knowledge of any shelling at the location.
According to Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra, the event occurred at the al-Nabusi roundabout, west of Gaza City in the northern section of the territory.
According to Qidra, medical workers were overwhelmed by the volume and severity of injuries sustained by scores of wounded people who arrived at al-Shifa hospital.
Hussam Abu Safieyah, the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza City, said it had received 10 dead bodies and dozens of wounded patients from the incident west of the city.
“We don’t know how many there are in other hospitals,” Safieyah told Reuters by phone.
Hamas warned in a statement that the incident could lead to the failure of talks aimed at a deal on a truce and hostage release.
