GAZA CITY – At least 33 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in central Gaza, including 11 civilians who were reportedly seeking food aid, according to the territory’s civil defence agency.
Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that over 100 people were wounded when Israeli forces fired and shelled an area where thousands had gathered for food distribution.
“The occupation forces opened fire and launched several shells… at thousands of citizens queuing for food,” he said.
The Israeli military, in a statement to AFP, confirmed that troops in central Gaza had identified “a group of suspicious individuals” approaching in a way they believed could pose a threat.
The military said it responded by firing warning shots, but claimed it was “unaware of injuries.”
The latest deaths come amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza as civilians continue to face food shortages, displacement, and escalating violence during Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
