The Hamas-run health ministry has reported that dozens of Palestinians, including many seeking food aid, were killed or injured by Israeli forces near two aid sites in southern Gaza. Eyewitness accounts suggest targeted gunfire, igniting ongoing disputes regarding the humanitarian situation amidst a backdrop of international controversy and stalled ceasefire negotiations.
Casualties Rise as Israeli Gunfire Strikes Aid Seekers in Southern Gaza
Casualties Rise as Israeli Gunfire Strikes Aid Seekers in Southern Gaza
Reports confirm at least 32 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli gunfire near aid distribution points, escalating tensions in the region.
At least 32 Palestinians seeking food have been killed following Israeli gunfire near two aid distribution points close to Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, according to the health ministry run by Hamas. Additional casualties were reported at these sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has come under scrutiny for its operations linked with Israeli and U.S. backing. Despite claims from GHF that no incidents occurred at their locations, they acknowledged that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were active nearby just before the sites were meant to open.
An eyewitness recounted to Reuters that the Israeli fire seemed deliberately lethal. Mohammed Al-Khalidi, who was present during the incident, accused the Israeli forces of intent to kill rather than disperse the crowd seeking assistance. Reports have highlighted daily instances of Palestinians being shot while pursuing aid, particularly since GHF's operations began in late May.
According to the IDF's response, warning shots were fired to deter "suspects" before the aid sites' operations, stating that the conflict emerged prior to public aid distribution. With the GHF distributing aid within Israeli military zones using private security contractors, both Israeli and U.S. personnel argue this approach is vital to prevent Hamas from diverting aid resources. Conversely, the United Nations has refused to work with GHF, labeling their procedures unethical and claiming no evidence of systematic aid theft by Hamas.
The UN's human rights office indicated that since the GHF became operational, there have been 674 recorded deaths near its sites, and over 200 fatalities along aid convoy routes as per their data. The GHF has contested these figures, questioning the reliability of the Hamas-run health ministry’s death tolls.
Access restrictions imposed by Israel for foreign journalists complicate independent reporting from Gaza. As the humanitarian situation grows dire, the UN reported a doubling of malnourished children since Israel's food restrictions began in March. Despite the establishment of GHF, significant amounts of essential items, including baby formula, remain stalled at border crossings.
On Friday, a field hospital director noted an unprecedented rise in patients suffering from severe malnutrition conditions, with 69 children reportedly having died from starvation-related issues, as per the Hamas media office. Amidst these escalating challenges, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a ceasefire agreement could be imminent, but Palestinian officials contend that negotiations are still at a standstill with Israel’s latest proposals deemed unacceptable. The dire circumstances unfolding in Gaza continue to reflect a complex web of humanitarian crises, political unrest, and deadly violence.
