Israeli gunfire kills dozens near Gaza aid distribution sites
At least 32 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire while seeking food near two aid distribution points close to Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, as reported by the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Dozens were also injured at sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by the US and Israel.
The GHF denied any incidents at their sites but acknowledged Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activity near the locations before they were set to open. Witnesses described the Israeli gunfire as being aimed to kill.
The Palestinian ministry of health confirmed that several bodies were taken to Nasser hospital on Saturday morning. Since the GHF began operations in late May, there have been frequent reports of Palestinians being killed while seeking aid, with witnesses attributing most of the deaths to Israeli forces.
The IDF stated that troops fired warning shots in the recent incident to deter approaching "suspects" before the aid sites were operational. Eyewitnesses blamed the Israeli army for the attack, recounting a situation where Palestinians were fired upon as they approached the GHF aid distribution center.
The GHF, which uses private security contractors to distribute aid in Israeli military zones, is criticized by the UN for its operations. The UN has recorded numerous killings near GHF sites and along aid convoy routes. The GHF disputes these figures and accuses the UN of using inaccurate data from Gaza's health ministry, which is considered a reliable source of information on casualties.
Israel restricts access for international news organizations into Gaza. The UN reported a doubling of acutely malnourished children since Israel imposed food restrictions in March. Despite aid efforts, including the GHF, significant amounts of aid are still blocked at the border.
Field hospitals in Gaza have seen a surge in patients suffering from severe malnutrition and exhaustion. The Hamas government media office reported that 69 children have died from malnutrition amid the escalating humanitarian crisis.
US President Donald Trump hinted at a ceasefire deal being close, but talks remain stalled according to a Palestinian official. Israel's proposed troop withdrawal map is deemed unacceptable by Hamas, prolonging the conflict in Gaza.