Israeli forces killed at least 31 Palestinians and wounded over 176 at a US-backed aid distribution site in Gaza, despite military denials, as the humanitarian crisis deepens and ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
Key Takeaways
- Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 31 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire near a US-backed aid distribution site, though Israel denies firing directly at civilians
- The controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-endorsed aid mechanism run by American contractors, has been rejected by the UN and major aid organizations who call it a violation of humanitarian principles
- The incident highlights the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, described by the UN as “the hungriest place on earth” despite Israel’s recent easing of its blockade
- Ceasefire negotiations have stalled as Israel continues military operations in Gaza, with the war’s overall death toll reaching over 54,000, mostly civilians
Deadly Gunfire at Aid Distribution Site
The fatal incident occurred when Palestinians gathered at an aid distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-backed initiative operated by American security contractors. According to Gaza health officials, more than 20 people were killed and over 100 wounded when the crowd came under fire. The scene quickly descended into chaos, with witnesses describing drones and tanks firing on civilians attempting to access desperately needed supplies in the blockaded territory. The Israeli military initially denied knowledge of any casualties but later admitted to firing “warning shots” at what they described as “suspects” approaching their positions.
“31 people were killed and more than 176 injured… after Israeli gunfire targeted thousands of civilians near the American aid centre in Rafah,” said Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal.
The Israeli military countered these allegations, claiming they “did not fire at civilians while they were near or within the humanitarian aid distribution site and that reports to this effect are false.” However, international aid workers on the ground supported Palestinian accounts of the events. World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain confirmed “our people are reporting the same thing on the ground,” lending credibility to Palestinian descriptions of the deadly incident. Hospitals reported treating numerous gunshot wounds, with medical staff describing the situation as “absolute carnage.”
Controversial Aid Distribution System
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation represents a significant shift in how aid reaches Palestinians, bypassing the established UN-led system that has coordinated relief efforts in Gaza for decades. Israel recently eased its 11-week blockade, allowing limited humanitarian supplies to enter the territory through this new mechanism. However, the United Nations and major international aid organizations have refused to cooperate with GHF, citing serious concerns about its humanitarian principles and potential co-option into Israeli military objectives. The controversy has created a fractured aid system that fails to meet the overwhelming needs of Gaza’s population.
“This new scheme is surveillance-based rationing that legitimises a policy of deprivation by design,” said Jonathan Whittall, senior UN aid official for the occupied Palestinian territory.
Whittall further explained: “The UN has refused to participate in this scheme, warning that it is logistically unworkable and violates humanitarian principles by using aid as a tool in Israel’s broader efforts to depopulate areas of Gaza.” This rejection by established humanitarian organizations has created a parallel aid system that lacks coordination and sufficient resources. Reports of looting at aid centers underscore the desperation facing Gaza’s population, with one resident, Mr. Odeh, lamenting that “There’s no system or order to receive it,” highlighting the chaotic distribution process that leaves many without access to critical supplies.
Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations has described Gaza as “the hungriest place on earth,” with severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel persisting despite Israel’s partial lifting of its blockade. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, characterized aid distribution in Gaza as a “death trap” and has repeatedly called for safe, large-scale deliveries through established UN channels. A separate but equally troubling incident involved a break-in at a World Food Programme warehouse in Deir el-Balah, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries, further demonstrating the desperate conditions facing Gazans.
“totally unacceptable,” said Steve Witkoff, referring to the violence at aid distribution sites.
Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continue throughout Gaza, with the health ministry reporting at least 70 people killed in recent days, including 23 in strikes on residential buildings in the Bureij refugee camp and seven in attacks on a kindergarten and home in Jabalia. The Gaza Health Ministry reports the war’s overall death toll has reached 54,418, predominantly civilians. As ceasefire negotiations stall, with Hamas’s amendments to a US-backed truce proposal deemed unacceptable by both Israel and the United States, Israel’s Defence Minister has instructed the army to continue operations in Gaza, prolonging the humanitarian catastrophe.
