⚠️ Israeli Forces Kill 23 Near Aid Distribution Site in Gaza, Say Witnesses
At least 23 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 wounded when Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution site in central Gaza, according to eyewitnesses and medics. The incident, which occurred near a center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has drawn further scrutiny over the safety of aid operations in the war-torn region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that warning shots were fired after people gathered too closely and that an aircraft later struck “several suspects.” However, GHF denied that any shooting occurred near its distribution locations.
Rising Death Toll Near Gaza Aid Points
The Hamas-run health ministry reported over 400 Palestinians killed in similar aid-site incidents since late May, when GHF took over most aid operations from the United Nations.
This shift came after a three-month complete blockade by Israel, during which no food entered Gaza, creating famine-level conditions. A UN-backed report warns the entire population remains at critical risk of starvation.
“We’ve received 23 bodies and over 100 injured,” said a spokesperson for al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat.
Children Among the Victims: Unicef Slams Unsafe Aid Conditions
The UN children’s agency, Unicef, condemned the GHF-led distribution model, saying it has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
“Many women and children are being shot or shelled trying to get food,” said James Elder, Unicef spokesperson. “There’s chaos due to poor communication and combat zones around aid points.”
He highlighted a young boy fatally wounded by a tank shell and warned of a “man-made drought” with only 40% of Gaza’s water systems still operational.
“Children will begin to die of thirst,” Elder warned.
Additional Strikes and Rising Tensions
On the same day, an Israeli airstrike killed 11 Palestinians in al-Ma’sar, west of Deir al-Balah, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. Witnesses said warplanes targeted the Ayash family home, a two-story building.
Meanwhile, civil defence officials in Gaza reported a fresh wave of airstrikes across Gaza City’s Shati area, killing at least 77 people. Analysts speculate these attacks are tied to the re-emergence of Hamas security operatives, possibly exploiting a temporary lapse in Israeli aerial surveillance during the recent Israel-Iran escalation.
Death Toll Continues to Mount
Since Israel’s military campaign began in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks, the Gaza death toll has soared:
-
55,706 Palestinians killed, including over 15,000 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry
-
1,200 Israelis killed and 251 hostages taken in the initial Hamas attack
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens: International Outcry Grows
With each new aid-site shooting and airstrike, global concern over the collapsing humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza intensifies. The lack of coordination, access to communication, and the use of deadly force near civilian food lines continue to drive international criticism.
The IDF has said all recent incidents are under review, but for many inside Gaza, the damage—both physical and psychological—is already irreversible.
