There are growing calls for an independent inquiry following the reported deaths of more than 100 people in Gaza as they waited for food on Thursday.
Meanwhile, European Union has joined United Nations to call for an investigation into reports of indiscriminate targeting of civilians in Gaza by the Israeli military.
At least 112 people were killed and hundreds injured after Israeli forces opened fire as Palestinian civilians waited for food on Thursday, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza. The tragedy represents one of the deadliest single incidents in Gaza since Israel’s war against Hamas began. However, the death toll is not independently confirmed. On the other hand, the Israeli military has given a different account of the circumstances.
France said it would support the UN’s call for an independent inquiry into Thursday’s incident, with the French foreign affairs minister calling the events on the ground indefensible. France’s foreign affairs ministry added in a statement: “It is Israel’s responsibility to comply with the rules of international law and to protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilian populations.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the carnage at the food aid site. Meanwhile, the EU has joined the UN in calling for an investigation into reports of indiscriminate targeting of civilians in Gaza by the Israeli military. It has been found that several members of the Abu Jibba family were killed in January by the shockwave of what was likely a 2,000-pound bomb dropped by the Israeli military. The Israeli military said that it was responding to fire by militants.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to 30,228, after 193 people were killed in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry in the enclave. Friday’s figure was about 100 higher than averages over the past week.
Meanwhile, the leaders of more than 30 news organisations including CNN, Reuters and BBC News have signed an open letter calling for journalists in Gaza to be protected. At least 94 journalists — 89 of whom are Palestinians — have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
