Gaza Aid Site Shooting: 27 Dead, IDF Claims Self-Defense

**Gaza Aid Distribution Site Shooting: 27 Palestinians Killed, IDF Claims Self-Defense** Gaza, Palestine – A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday morning in the Al Alam area of Southern Gaza, near an aid distribution center. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 27 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire while waiting to receive humanitarian aid. This follows similar reports from two days prior in the Rafah area, where 31 people were reported killed. Eyewitness accounts from the scene describe chaos and panic as shots rang out. "It was terrifying," one witness, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted. "People were running, screaming, trying to protect themselves and their children. It was a scene of utter devastation." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement claiming that soldiers fired warning shots approximately half a kilometer from the aid distribution site. The IDF asserted that a group of individuals moved towards their forces in a way that "posed a threat to them." They maintain that their forces did not fire directly at civilians within the aid distribution site itself. Sky News has verified videos from the scene, corroborating the events described by the health ministry and eyewitnesses. The conflicting accounts highlight the need for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths and to ensure accountability.