Gaza City, Gaza Strip – The Flour Massacre in Gaza on February 29, which left over 100 people dead and 700 injured, marked one of the deadliest mass casualty events in the region. The tragedy unfolded as Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinians gathered for a humanitarian aid delivery, sparking chaos and devastation along the coastal road southwest of Gaza City.
Eyewitnesses captured the horrific events on video, showing the desperate scenes of civilians seeking food aid amid the sounds of gunfire. The incident, known as the “Flour Massacre,” occurred after a month of Israel restricting aid into Gaza City, exacerbating already dire levels of starvation in the area.
Conflicting narratives emerged following the tragedy, with Gazan officials attributing the casualties to gunfire from Israeli troops, while the Israeli military claimed most deaths were due to a stampede for food aid. Despite internal investigations and denials from the IDF, evidence suggests that the Israeli military’s account may not align with the sequence of events that transpired that night.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of being caught in the crossfire, with many risking their lives to secure aid for their families. The aftermath of the attack revealed a scene of devastation, with bodies scattered along the coast and scores of injured treated at Gaza’s largest hospital.
The impact of the attack reverberated beyond Gaza, raising questions about the safety of aid deliveries in the region and the role of the Israeli military in facilitating humanitarian assistance. As humanitarian organizations step in to fill the void left by government restrictions, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
Amid ongoing investigations and conflicting accounts of the Flour Massacre, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and respect for humanitarian principles in times of crisis. The international community continues to monitor developments in Gaza, highlighting the importance of upholding human rights and protecting civilian lives in conflict-affected areas.