Israeli Forces Accused of Killing Palestinians at Gaza Aid Distribution

CAIRO/Gaza, June 1 (Reuters) – More than 30 Palestinians died and nearly 170 were injured near a food distribution site in Rafah on Sunday, according to the Gaza health ministry. Witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers fired on people trying to collect aid, a claim Israel denied.

The U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) reported that food distribution at its site in Rafah occurred without incident. The organization shared an undated video showing people gathering around aid boxes, although Reuters could not verify its authenticity.

Witnesses indicated that Israeli military forces opened fire as thousands of Palestinians assembled to receive food supplies. The Israeli military stated that an initial inquiry found soldiers had not shot at civilians during the incident.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry confirmed that 31 people sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head or chest while waiting in the Al-Alam district for aid, with 169 more reported injured. Eyewitnesses suggested that an Israeli tank also fired on the crowd approaching the aid site.

The International Committee of the Red Cross stated they treated 179 casualties at their field hospital in Rafah, with many suffering gunshot or shrapnel wounds. “All patients said they had been trying to reach an aid distribution site. This marks the highest number of weapon-wounded individuals treated in a single day since our hospital opened over a year ago,” the ICRC noted.

The United Nations warned that most of Gaza’s 2 million residents face famine risk due to an 11-week blockade on aid. The GHF recently established new distribution points despite criticism for bypassing traditional humanitarian protocols.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian relief agency, condemned the deaths, stating that “aid distribution has become a death trap.” The humanitarian organization has faced scrutiny for its efforts, with local residents reporting that the limited number of distribution points forces many to travel in unsafe conditions.

Amid chaotic scenes, Hamas reported fatalities and injuries at these distribution areas, while Israel claimed its troops discharged warning shots to control the crowd.

As tensions continued, Reda Abu Jazar recounted the death of her brother at the Rafah aid center, urging, “They are killing us. Stop the massacres.”

In a broader context, Hamas and Israeli officials are engaged in ongoing negotiations concerning a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. Egypt and Qatar are attempting to mediate the discussions.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities, primarily civilians. Since then, more than 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to ongoing violence and destruction throughout Gaza.