Attack Palestinians Wait For Help, Israel Urged To Give An Explanation

Bad luck UNICEF/Abed Zagout

JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged an explanation from Israel after the Israeli military opened fire on Palestinian civilians gathered to receive humanitarian aid in Gaza.

"People want to take aid supplies for themselves and their families and die. I am shocked by reports from Gaza," Baerbock said in a statement quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Friday, March 1.

"The Israeli army must fully investigate how mass panic and shootings could occur. I am sorry for the families of the victims," he added.

On Thursday (29/2), 112 Palestinians were killed and 760 injured when Israeli troops opened fire on crowds awaiting humanitarian aid south of Gaza City, the Ministry of Health said in the trapped Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli military said an initial investigation found that Palestinians were approaching a military checkpoint monitoring the entry of aid trucks when soldiers opened warning shots and shot Palestinians who continued to move towards the troops.

Israel has launched a deadly military offensive in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people. At least 30,035 Palestinians have been killed and 70,457 others injured in Israeli attacks.

The Israeli government also imposed a blockade that paralyzed the Gaza Strip, which caused its residents, especially residents of northern Gaza, to be in a state of near hunger.

Israel has been accused of committing genocide in the International Court.

An interim decision by the International Court in January ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its troops do not commit genocide, and ensure that humanitarian aid is provided to civilians in Gaza.