At least 21 Palestinians were killed and 175 others wounded on Saturday morning while attempting to access an Israeli-backed aid distribution hub in the Gaza Strip, according to reports from a nearby Red Cross hospital that received the casualties.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene witnessed dozens of wounded individuals receiving treatment at the hospital. However, officials did not specify who was responsible for opening fire on the civilians.

This incident follows weeks of chaotic and sometimes violent scenes at the aid distribution site. Local health officials had previously reported at least six people killed and more than 50 wounded in earlier incidents at the same distribution center.

Conflicting Accounts

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which manages the aid hub, has categorically denied these reports. In an official statement, the Foundation claimed, "Our aid was again distributed today without incident. We are aware of rumors being actively fomented by Hamas suggesting deaths and injuries today. They are untrue and fabricated."

The GHF further stated that it has distributed over 4.7 million meals in the past week alone, including 887,000 at the Tel Sultan site on the morning of the alleged incident. The Foundation also emphasized that its private security contractors did not fire on crowds, while noting that the Israeli military has only acknowledged firing warning shots in previous incidents.

Meanwhile, images and videos circulating on social media platforms show displaced Palestinians pushing carts containing bodies near a food distribution center in Rafah, raising further questions about what actually transpired.

Ongoing Humanitarian Concerns

This latest incident highlights the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid distribution has become increasingly dangerous and contentious. The conflicting accounts from hospital officials and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation underscore the challenges in verifying information from the conflict zone.

The situation remains fluid as international organizations continue to call for safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, who have been caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.