ISLAMABAD (PEN) : More than 30 Palestinians were killed and nearly 170 injured on Sunday near a food distribution center in southern Gaza’s Rafah district, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which accused Israeli forces of opening fire on aid seekers. Israel has denied these allegations.
Conflicting Accounts Over Incident
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 31 people suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head or chest during the gathering of thousands attempting to collect aid near the Al-Alam district site. It added that 169 others were wounded. Local residents and medics also said an Israeli tank fired on the crowds en route to the distribution point.
In contrast, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-based organization running the aid distribution, said food was handed out on Sunday without incident. The foundation released undated video footage showing people gathering around aid boxes, but Reuters could not independently verify the video or the circumstances.
The Israeli military stated that an initial inquiry found no evidence that soldiers fired on civilians near or within the aid site.
Humanitarian Impact and Medical Response
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that its field hospital in Rafah admitted 179 casualties, mostly with gunshot or shrapnel injuries. “All patients said they had been trying to reach an aid distribution site,” the ICRC said, noting this was the highest number of weapon-related wounds in a single incident since the hospital’s establishment over a year ago.
The United Nations has warned that most of Gaza’s population of 2 million faces famine risks amid an 11-week Israeli blockade restricting aid entry.
Aid Distribution Challenges and Criticism
The GHF launched its first distribution sites last week and plans to expand further. However, the organization’s approach—bypassing traditional aid agencies—has drawn criticism from the UN and humanitarian groups, which question its adherence to humanitarian principles.
With only a handful of distribution points located in southern Gaza, U.N. officials argue that many Palestinians, especially in the northern areas, are forced to relocate and confront unsafe conditions to access aid.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, condemned Sunday’s fatalities, stating on X that “aid distribution has become a death trap.”
Accusations and Responses
Gaza’s government media accused Israel of weaponizing aid by funneling starving civilians into exposed “killing zones” closely monitored by the Israeli military. Medical staff at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis described the situation as tragic and advised people to avoid aid points for their safety.
Israel rejects claims that Gazans are starving due to its actions, affirming it facilitates aid deliveries, endorses GHF sites, and approves other aid convoys entering Gaza. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of diverting supplies to strengthen its control, a charge Hamas denies, having executed suspected looters.
Broader Context and Ceasefire Efforts
The incident occurred amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Recent talks mediated by Arab states and the U.S. have faltered, with Hamas seeking amendments to proposals rejected by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff as “totally unacceptable.” Egypt and Qatar announced continued efforts to resolve disagreements.
Hamas expressed readiness to resume indirect negotiations immediately, aiming for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Israel’s military campaign has devastated Gaza, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians and destroying much of the infrastructure. A large portion of the population now lives in shelters and makeshift camps.
