At least 22 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution points operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The latest incident occurred at the al-Alam aid center in Rafah, where 20 people were reported dead. Another two fatalities were confirmed at a GHF site in the Netzarim corridor. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was examining the reports.
Mounting Casualties at Food Sites Near Gaza
The GHF began distributing aid after Israel partially lifted a three-month blockade that the UN said had pushed Gaza to the brink of starvation. However, hundreds of Palestinians have died while trying to access food at these sites. Prior to Monday’s killings, Gaza’s health ministry stated that over 300 had died and 2,600 were injured near GHF points since May 26. Al-Alam has been the site of multiple deadly episodes since the aid system was introduced.
UN and Medical Officials Condemn Operations
UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned Israel’s conduct, accusing it of weaponising food and inflicting “unconscionable suffering” on civilians. He called for an investigation into the repeated attacks on aid seekers. The UN and various NGOs have refused to collaborate with the GHF due to ongoing safety concerns.
Dr. Ahmed Alfara at Nasser Hospital, where many victims were taken, called the GHF’s aid distribution system a “100% failure.” He emphasized the need for Unrwa and NGOs to resume food distribution.
Survivors Describe Chaos and Fear Near Gaza
Ahmed Fayad, who survived Monday’s incident, labeled the GHF site a “trap.” He said, “We went there thinking we would get aid to feed our children, but it turned out to be a killing. I advise everyone: don’t go there.”
The events come amid Israel’s 20-month military campaign in Gaza, launched after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry claims over 55,000 deaths have occurred. International media, remain barred from entering Gaza, complicating independent verification.