An Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, resulted in at least 18 fatalities, primarily among members of a security unit named Sahm, linked to the Hamas-led Interior Ministry. This strike aimed at combating looters targeting aid distributions exacerbates the ongoing turmoil in aid efforts, which have faced looting and theft challenges. In response to rampant accusations against Hamas regarding aid theft, a community initiative has emerged to protect aid convoys, claiming successful handlings of supplies despite tensions with Israeli authorities over accountability.
At least 18 people were killed on Thursday in the Strip after an Israeli strike hit the street where they were collecting flour distributed by a Gaza police unit.
The strike in the central town of Deir al-Balah appeared to target members of Sahm, a security force reportedly tasked with stopping looters and cracking down on merchants who sell stolen aid at inflated prices.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz again accused Hamas of stealing aid that is entering northern Gaza and called on the Israeli military to plan to prevent the theft.
The National Gathering refuted the statement, saying the accusation was aimed at justifying the Israeli military's 'aggressive practices' and that aid was 'fully secured' by the tribes.
Collection
[
|
...
]