The strike was initially unrecognized by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) until BBC Verify presented evidence. The IDF attributed the incident to "technical and operational errors," stating that their artillery had deviant from its intended target. This rare admission contradicted the IDF's usual stance of maintaining operational updates which omit similar mistakes. Since the beginning of hostilities in October 2023, BBC Verify found that the IDF has only admitted to making errors on four occasions.
On Sunday evening, the aftermath of the strike was captured on social media, showing chaotic scenes with bloodied individuals and families fleeing amidst dust clouds. The UN has reported that 90% of Gaza's 2.1 million residents have been displaced due to ongoing conflict.
Ambulances quickly attended the scene, transporting the injured to local hospitals. Notably, the initial footage was misattributed to the killings occurring near the aid center in Rafah, but BBC Verify clarified that it originated from Khan Younis, approximately 4.5 kilometers away. Conflicting narratives also emerged when the Israeli military stated they had not fired on Palestinians near the aid center, though later clarification revealed they had indeed fired warning shots.
The discrepancy in reports has sparked controversy, leading to misleading statements from figures including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who claimed the BBC had retracted its coverage. The BBC has firmly rebutted this, asserting that they uphold their journalistic integrity without making retractions.
Israel's military actions are part of a broader campaign in response to a recent Hamas attack that resulted in substantial casualties, with reports indicating that over 54,607 Palestinians have died since the escalation began, including thousands since operations resumed in mid-March 2023.
On Sunday evening, the aftermath of the strike was captured on social media, showing chaotic scenes with bloodied individuals and families fleeing amidst dust clouds. The UN has reported that 90% of Gaza's 2.1 million residents have been displaced due to ongoing conflict.
Ambulances quickly attended the scene, transporting the injured to local hospitals. Notably, the initial footage was misattributed to the killings occurring near the aid center in Rafah, but BBC Verify clarified that it originated from Khan Younis, approximately 4.5 kilometers away. Conflicting narratives also emerged when the Israeli military stated they had not fired on Palestinians near the aid center, though later clarification revealed they had indeed fired warning shots.
The discrepancy in reports has sparked controversy, leading to misleading statements from figures including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who claimed the BBC had retracted its coverage. The BBC has firmly rebutted this, asserting that they uphold their journalistic integrity without making retractions.
Israel's military actions are part of a broader campaign in response to a recent Hamas attack that resulted in substantial casualties, with reports indicating that over 54,607 Palestinians have died since the escalation began, including thousands since operations resumed in mid-March 2023.
