- Reuters
- 1 Hour ago
At least 18 Palestinians perish retrieving aid packages fallen at sea
-
- Web Desk
- Mar 27, 2024
GAZA STRIP: At least 18 Palestinians lost their lives while attempting to retrieve aid packages that were airdropped into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
As per reports, 18 Palestinians lost their lives while several others were either injured or went missing in the aftermath.
The aid packages were dropped from the air and landed either in the Mediterranean sea and on land. Palestinians that hazarded into the sea to salvage the aid drowned in the waves.
Read more: UN Security Council demands immediate Gaza ceasefire after US abstains
Efforts are currently underway to recover the bodies of those lost at sea.
Furthermore, six people were fatally injured in a stampede that ensued as Palestinians hurried to collect the aid packages that fell on land.
As tensions escalate due to Israel’s recent attacks in the region, the toll of Palestinian lives continues to rise. Media outlets in the Middle East report that a total of 81 Palestinians were killed while 93 others have been wounded in the most recent escalation of the ongoing conflict.
Read more: Lebanon PM urges pressure on Israel to halt attacks on southern Lebanon
The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety protocols and coordination mechanisms involved in aid delivery operations. It also sheds light on the current humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, where basic necessities are scarce, and the population is at constant risk of bombardment from Israeli troops.
As per Gaza’s health ministry, more than 30,000 have lost their lives due to Israel attacks on Palestinian territories since the start of the conflict in October 2023.