Israeli Gunfire Wounds 47 Palestinians During Aid Distribution in Rafah: UN
At least 47 Palestinians were wounded during a chaotic aid distribution in Rafah on Tuesday, according to the United Nations. Most of the injuries were caused by Israeli gunfire, said Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Sunghay described the situation as “deeply concerning” and urged an independent investigation into the incident. He stressed that civilians must be protected even in conflict zones.
Violence Erupts During Aid Distribution
The violence broke out as hundreds of desperate residents gathered near an aid convoy in Rafah. Eyewitnesses reported panic and confusion as Israeli forces opened fire to control the crowd. The wounded included women and children, many of whom had come to receive food and water.
Medical teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Some remain in critical condition. The Gaza health authorities confirmed the injury count and said the number could rise.
International Outcry Builds
The incident sparked international concern, with rights groups demanding accountability. The UN said that firing at unarmed civilians seeking aid could amount to a war crime.
Several humanitarian agencies working in Gaza have suspended their operations temporarily, citing growing risks to their staff and aid recipients.
France Calls for Two-State Solution
In a related development, French President Emmanuel Macron renewed his call for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He said France does not follow a policy of double standards and wants lasting peace in the region.
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“We support the right of Palestinians to have a state, just as we support Israel’s right to security,” Macron said during a press briefing, reported Al Jazeera.
France May Recognise Palestinian State
According to Reuters, Macron is now considering formal recognition of a Palestinian state. French diplomats and political analysts say the move could happen soon and may provoke backlash from Israel and its allies.
Macron’s statement follows growing pressure from within Europe to act decisively as the Gaza conflict continues to worsen. Spain, Ireland, and several Scandinavian countries have already shown support for Palestinian statehood.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, with thousands more wounded.
UN officials warn that hunger and disease are spreading fast. Aid convoys are struggling to reach people due to ongoing military operations and border restrictions.
UN Urges Protection for Civilians
The UN has once again urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law. “Aid delivery must be protected, not targeted,” said Sunghay. “Civilians cannot continue to pay the price in this brutal conflict.”
As global outrage grows and calls for a ceasefire intensify, the world watches closely to see how nations like France shape the future diplomatic landscape in the Middle East.
According to UNRWA, at least 500-600 trucks of food, medical and commercial supplies must enter Gaza daily.
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