Summary
An attempt to collect food aid in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, ended in tragedy when a crowd rushed a distribution point, causing a deadly stampede. Eighteen-year-old Hani Hammad was hospitalized after being trampled, and 21 people lost their lives in the chaos. The incident happened near a gate managed by a U.S.-backed organization, with reports of pepper spray and gas bombs being used by guards.
Key Facts
- Hani Hammad, an 18-year-old, was involved and injured in a stampede at a food distribution point in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip.
- The stampede began when a large crowd rushed a narrow corridor to collect food aid.
- The incident occurred early Wednesday, and resulted in 21 Palestinian deaths, with 15 dying from suffocation.
- The food aid site was managed by the GHF, an organization supported by the United States.
- Reports indicated the use of pepper spray and gas bombs by American guards during the chaos.
- Hani is the oldest among his siblings and feels pressured to provide due to their parents being in Jordan for medical treatment.
- Mohammed Abedin, a 24-year-old, was also injured in the stampede and described the dangerous crowd conditions.
- The food aid distribution site had been closed for two days before the incident and was reopened with restricted entry points.
