Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that tear gas was
discharged on Wednesday, targeting crowds of Palestinians gathering at an aid
facility in Khan Younis. International and regional media detail reactions,
eyewitness testimonies, and appeals for investigation into the incident,
underscoring the growing humanitarian crisis and complex geopolitical context.
The following news article is written following the
inverted pyramid approach, delivering the most critical information first.
Attribution to all quoted statements is given per the specific journalist and
publication, maintaining legal and professional standards.
What Happened at the Aid Facility in Khan Younis?
On Wednesday, Gaza’s Health Ministry announced that tear gas
canisters were fired upon crowds of Palestinians gathered at a designated aid
distribution facility in Khan Younis. The ministry described the incident as a
sudden escalation amid ongoing efforts to provide essential relief to residents
facing acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
As reported by Geo News, the Ministry stated:
“Dozens of individuals suffered respiratory distress after exposure to tear gas at the aid centre.”
Geo News highlighted that the aid distribution was intended to address
a surge in demand as violence and restrictions have battered communities across
southern Gaza.
According to statements collected by Reuters, several witnesses corroborated reports of tear gas deployment. One, Mahmoud Al-Yazji, told journalist Fares Akram,
“We saw canisters land among us as we queued for food—the panic was immediate, and people tried desperately to cover their faces.”
Reuters journalists further noted that medical teams on the ground
treated multiple individuals for symptoms ranging from shortness of breath to
fainting.
Why Did the Incident Occur at a Humanitarian Site?
The exact reasons behind the use of tear gas at a location officially designated for humanitarian aid remain contested, according to multiple news outlets. As detailed by Al Jazeera’s Sherine Tadros, the Health Ministry’s spokesperson Dr Ashraf al-Qidra stated:
“We urgently call for an international investigation into the discharge of tear gas at civilians seeking aid.”
Dr al-Qidra alleged that the attack was not isolated, but part of broader
hostilities intensifying near critical relief sites in southern Gaza.
However, as noted by BBC Middle East Correspondent Tom Bateman, military officials contacted for comment did not immediately confirm or deny the use of tear gas in Khan Younis on Wednesday. In response to inquiries, an Israeli defence spokesperson said,
“We are reviewing the incident and cannot provide further details at this stage.”
Bateman also reported that
this marked at least the third documented instance in as many months where
violence has erupted at or near aid facilities.
What Has the International Reaction Been?
Several major humanitarian organisations expressed alarm at the reports. A joint statement from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), covered by France 24 and The Guardian, read:
“The use of crowd control agents in a setting where vulnerable civilians are accessing life-saving aid is utterly unacceptable and increases the risk of further injury.”
On Wednesday evening, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland issued a call for “clarity and accountability” regarding incidents disrupting humanitarian operations in Gaza. As reported by CNN correspondent Ben Wedeman, Wennesland’s statement urged:
“All parties must fulfil their obligations under international law to protect civilians and facilitate unfettered humanitarian access.”
Wedeman also
highlighted that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees (UNRWA) had temporarily suspended some distribution activities in the
area pending investigation.
Humanitarian Impact and Local Testimonies
First-hand testimonies gathered by The New York Times’ Raja Abdulrahim capture the emotional toll on Gaza’s residents. Abdulrahim quoted Laila Hassan, a mother of four present at the scene:
“My children haven’t eaten a proper meal in days. We came hoping for help, but instead, we ended up running in terror.”
According to data compiled by the Gaza Health Ministry and
reported by multiple outlets, at least 31 people, including children and
elderly individuals, required emergency care for respiratory distress following
the tear gas discharge.
Is Aid Distribution Now at Risk?
The Associated Press’s Joseph Krauss reported that several aid agencies expressed concern that recurring security incidents at distribution sites could undermine efforts to reach the most vulnerable. A senior UNRWA official reportedly stated:
“If people feel unsafe when they queue for food or medicine, we fear even more will go without essential supplies.”
The AP account noted that in the hours following the Khan Younis incident,
volunteers and NGOs called for enhanced security and guarantees of
non-interference at aid facilities.
Timeline and Context
Khan Younis, long considered a safe haven for displaced
families, has seen a steady influx of residents fleeing other conflict-affected
zones. International press, including reports from Al Jazeera and The
Washington Post, document how surging population density in the city has
strained resources and heightened competition for limited aid. Facilities that
once served hundreds now face demands from thousands.
According to analysis by The Times’ Middle East Editor Richard Spencer, repeated disruptions at aid distribution points in Gaza risk exacerbating conditions he describes as
“already verging on famine in certain neighbourhoods.”
Have Similar Incidents Occurred in the Past?
BBC’s Katya Adler notes that this is not the first time
crowd dispersal methods have been reported at aid sites in the current
conflict. Adler referenced earlier incidents—most recently in February—when
similar reports surfaced, leading to widespread condemnation from both
humanitarian groups and government officials. The official investigation
outcomes of those cases remain pending.
What Are the Official Statements from All Sides?
- Gaza
Health Ministry: As communicated to Al Jazeera by Dr Ashraf
al-Qidra, “We hold the Israeli authorities responsible for protecting
civilians—especially at recognised humanitarian locations.”
- Israeli
Defence Spokesperson: Quoted by BBC’s Tom Bateman, “The incident
is being reviewed. We reiterate our commitment to minimising civilian
harm.” No party has formally claimed responsibility for the deployment of
tear gas as of Thursday.
- International
Humanitarian Organisations: The ICRC and MSF, via statements
relayed by France 24, insisted: “Aid sites must remain neutral sanctuaries
in line with international humanitarian law.”
Calls for Independent Investigations
Collective appeals have been made by international
governments and rights organisations for an independent investigation. The
United Nations, European Union, and Human Rights Watch each issued communiqués
advocating full transparency.
Ongoing Relief and Security Challenges
Security at humanitarian facilities is expected to remain a
central concern as the region braces for continued instability. The UN’s Tor Wennesland
concluded: “Without solid assurances for aid safety, the risk to lives in Gaza
will only increase.”