Gunfire heard as thousands rush to receive aid at Gaza distribution centre

 

The first US-backed distribution centre opened in Rafah after a blockade of nearly three months on humanitarian aid entering Gaza imposed by Israel. The scheme was quickly overwhelmed as thousands of people tried to get their hands on food parcels. Israeli troops opened fire near thousands of Palestinians as a logistics group chosen by Israel to ship food into Gaza lost control of its distribution centre on its second day of operations. Israel said the newly built distribution centre would prevent Hamas from stealing aid from Palestinians; however, aid groups and the UN have said the scheme violates humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence