Israeli fire kills at least 12 near Gaza aid sites, local health officials say

Israeli fire kills at least 12 near Gaza aid sites, local health officials say

Israel's military said it fired warning shots at approaching "suspects" who ignored warnings to turn away, in an area that is considered an active combat zone at night.

At least 12 Palestinians were killed and others wounded on Sunday as Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution points in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials and witnesses.

Witnesses said Israeli troops fired on crowds approaching food hubs run by the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Israel's military said it fired warning shots at approaching "suspects" who ignored warnings to turn away, in an area that is considered an active combat zone at night.

The shootings occurred around 6 am (0300 UTC/GMT) near Rafah and central Gaza, as desperate residents gathered for aid.

Adham Dahman, one of the injured witnesses, said a tank fired toward them. "We didn't know how to escape," he said. "This is a trap for us, not aid."

A GHF official said all three distribution sites operated on Sunday without any incidents of violence in or around the area.

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