At least 30 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire near humanitarian aid distribution points in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The aid sites, operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), have become the focal point of repeated deadly incidents amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told the BBC that its troops fired warning shots at individuals they claimed were approaching and posing a threat. However, the death toll from such encounters continues to climb. Humanitarian sources say hundreds have been killed trying to access food since GHF sites opened, following Israel’s partial lifting of a three-month blockade that the UN had warned was pushing the population to the brink of starvation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the situation, stating that Israel’s military actions are causing “horrifying, unconscionable suffering” in Gaza. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Türk accused Israel of weaponising food and reiterated his demand for a full investigation into the attacks. UN agencies have so far refused to collaborate with the GHF due to security and operational concerns.
On Monday, the Gaza health ministry reported 28 fatalities at the GHF center in al-Alam, located in Rafah, southern Gaza. Two more deaths were reported at a site in the central Netzarim corridor. Many of the injured were taken to Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Younis. Relatives of the victims gathered for immediate burials, following Islamic tradition.
Dr. Ahmed Alfara of Nasser Hospital described the distribution system as a complete failure. “No one can get that distribution, that aid, no one can get it,” he said. Alfara emphasized the need for trusted international organizations like UNRWA and local NGOs to take over distribution responsibilities. He also confirmed that many of Monday’s casualties suffered gunshot wounds, including to the head.
Ahmed Fayad, a survivor who sought aid at al-Alam, called the operation a “trap.” Speaking to Reuters, he said, “We went there thinking we would get aid to feed our children, but it turned out to be a trap, a killing. I advise everyone: don’t go there.”
The GHF had only resumed operations on Sunday after briefly shutting down due to security concerns. However, al-Alam has already been the site of multiple deadly incidents since food distribution began under Israeli supervision in late May.
According to the Gaza health ministry, over 300 people have been killed and more than 2,600 wounded near aid distribution points since the GHF began its mission on May 26. The IDF disputes these figures and blames Hamas for inciting violence near the sites.
Verifying on-the-ground events remains challenging, as Israel continues to block international journalists, including those from the BBC, from entering Gaza.
This escalation comes 20 months after Israel began its military campaign in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports that at least 55,297 people have been killed in the territory.