Amnesty International has condemned the targeting of Palestinians near an aid distribution site in the Gaza Strip as a “horrific incident,” calling for an immediate and independent investigation to determine the circumstances and hold those responsible accountable.

The rights organization stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza to be delivered through safe and effective mechanisms that “respect the dignity of the population and ensure the delivery of supplies without endangering civilian lives.”

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 24 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 injured on Tuesday when Israeli forces opened fire on civilians near a US-"Israel" designated aid point west of Rafah, in southern Gaza.

In a separate statement, Hamas reported that the total death toll from attacks on aid distribution centers over the past eight days has risen to 102, describing the events as “one of the most horrific massacres” in recent memory.

'Israel' accused of violating international humanitarian law

Amnesty International reiterated that "Israel", as the occupying power, bears full legal responsibility under international law to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s civilian population are met.

The organization emphasized that obstructing aid or endangering civilians seeking humanitarian assistance constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The group also held the international community accountable for failing to prevent what it called a “horrific humanitarian disaster and genocide” unfolding in Gaza. Amnesty urged all countries to immediately halt arms transfers to "Israel" and to apply pressure to lift the “cruel blockade” imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Amnesty's statement adds to growing global condemnation over the Gaza aid attack and rising Palestinian civilian deaths, particularly in Rafah.

IOF kill, injure dozens of Gazans in Rafah

On a related note, at least 23 Palestinians were killed and 200 others injured on Tuesday after Israeli occupation forces opened fire on displaced, starving civilians on their way to receive humanitarian aid west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian media sources.

This comes after the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday that the number of Palestinians killed near aid distribution centers had risen to 75, following the martyrdom of 35 people in a single day on Sunday. More than 400 people have been wounded in these areas since May 27, when the Israeli occupation began designating specific zones for the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that three people, including a child, were martyred overnight when the occupation bombed tents housing displaced families in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza. Occupation vehicles also opened fire toward eastern areas of Gaza City, our correspondent added.