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A deadly Israeli drone strike on Saturday killed six Palestinian men who were reportedly guarding aid trucks in Gaza. The Israeli military said the men were members of Hamas, but Hamas denied this claim. Instead, they said the victims were part of a civilian team protecting humanitarian aid from looting.

The incident has raised new concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers and aid convoys in Gaza. Tensions are already high as food, water, and medicine grow scarce, and military operations continue to escalate.

Conflicting Claims Over Victims’ Identities

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the drone strike targeted Hamas operatives involved in organizing violence. But Hamas said the men were members of local security teams helping to guard aid deliveries meant for civilians.

“These were not militants,” a Hamas spokesperson said. “They were assigned to make sure aid reached the people safely.”

Eyewitnesses in southern Gaza backed Hamas’s version. They said the men were clearly marked as aid security personnel and were working near trucks carrying food and supplies. Videos shared online showed charred vehicles and scattered supplies, with survivors shouting that the strike hit the wrong people.

Ongoing Military Operations Intensify

The drone attack is only part of a much larger Israeli offensive in Gaza. In just 24 hours, the IDF said it carried out over 100 air and ground strikes, hitting what it described as tunnels, rocket sites, and Hamas command centers.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 60 Palestinians killed in one day alone. Hospitals, already stretched thin, struggled to treat the injured. Many clinics are running out of basic items like bandages and antibiotics.

Aid workers said they are overwhelmed. “Every day we see more wounded and fewer supplies,” said a medic in Rafah.

Disputes Over Aid Access Numbers

There is also growing confusion about how much aid is actually entering Gaza. Israel claims it allowed 388 aid trucks into the area since Monday. But Palestinian aid groups dispute this number. They report only 119 trucks entered through the Karem Shalom crossing during that time.

The disagreement points to a deeper problem. While Israel says it is supporting aid, logistical delays, fuel shortages, and security issues continue to block many shipments. Aid groups say they face long wait times, frequent checks, and unsafe roads.

“These delays cost lives,” said one aid official. “People are starving and can’t wait for numbers to be sorted out.”

Fears Rise After Drone Strike

The drone attack has made aid convoy escorts more nervous. Local volunteers often provide protection to keep the trucks safe from theft or chaos. But Saturday’s strike has left many afraid they could be the next target.

Palestinian leaders are now calling for international protection for aid convoys. They want UN peacekeepers or independent monitors to ensure aid reaches the right people—and to keep workers safe.

“We’re risking our lives to deliver food,” said one local volunteer. “Now we fear both the streets and the skies.”

Reports of Human Shield Use Spark Outcry

As the war continues, new reports are surfacing that raise serious legal and moral questions. A recent Associated Press (AP) investigation found evidence that Israeli soldiers used Palestinians as human shields during raids and house searches.

Ayman Abu Hamadan, a Gaza man, told AP that Israeli troops beat him and forced him to enter homes first, to check for hidden weapons or traps. He said he was held for two and a half weeks without formal charges and transferred between multiple military units.

His story matches others. Even an Israeli officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted that some commanders used Palestinian detainees in dangerous situations to “clear buildings.”

The Israeli military denies using human shields but said internal investigations are underway. The military insists that using civilians in combat is banned under its rules.

But human rights groups say the practice is still happening and call it a clear violation of international law.

“These actions are illegal and deeply inhumane,” said a statement from Amnesty International. “They put innocent people at grave risk.”

The War’s Deadly Toll

The current war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel. Militants killed around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and kidnapped 251.

Today, 58 hostages are still being held by Hamas. Israeli officials believe 20 may still be alive.

In response, Israel began a massive air and ground operation in Gaza. Since then, Gaza health officials say more than 53,762 people have been killed by Israeli strikes. Most victims, they report, are civilians, including many children.

The war has caused deep suffering on both sides. It has also raised global concerns over humanitarian access, civilian safety, and war crimes.

As the fighting continues, many voices are urging a shift toward peace. Aid groups want safe zones, ceasefires, and better access for trucks and medical teams. Families want answers about loved ones, and communities want a path to recovery.

But for now, the violence goes on. Saturday’s drone strike shows how quickly things can turn deadly—even for those trying to help.