Tragedy Strikes at Gaza Aid Site: 31 Palestinians Killed, Hundreds Injured

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — A tragic incident unfolded at an aid distribution site in Rafah on Sunday, June 1, when gunfire reportedly erupted, leading to the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians and leaving hundreds more injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The health ministry attributed the fatalities to the Israeli military, claiming that all victims were shot in the head or chest. Dozens of others sustained serious injuries, with over 200 casualties reported at local hospitals.

A paramedic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society described a chaotic scene as crowds gathered for food aid when the shooting began. “Crowds of citizens headed to receive food aid,” the paramedic said.

In a statement to CNN, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared it was “unaware of injuries caused by IDF fire within the humanitarian aid distribution site,” asserting that an investigation was underway and acknowledging no casualties among its forces.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which manages the distribution site, refuted claims of gunfire, stating, “There was no gunfire in the distribution center and also not in the surrounding area.” The GHF is a private foundation supported by both Israel and the US.

This incident marks just the latest in a series of violent events since the inception of the GHF, which was established amid accusations of aid being misappropriated by Hamas. Despite the claims, humanitarian organizations have seen no evidence to support these assertions.

UN aid agencies have criticized the GHF’s distribution methods, arguing they violate humanitarian principles and could endanger more lives. Traditionally, organizations like UNRWA distribute aid with strict protocols, including checking identification and ensuring all families registered receive assistance.

Amid growing criticism, the GHF noted it had provided over 4.7 million meals within a week, claiming that aid had been distributed “without incident” prior to the Sunday shooting.

The geopolitical context remains tense as the US explores a ceasefire agreement amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As reports continue to unfold, eyewitness accounts, including those from local journalists, paint a grim picture of the realities on the ground.

British surgeon Victoria Rose, reporting from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, described the chaos, saying, “We’ve had a shooting near Rafah, it’s absolute carnage here.” She noted a high volume of patients arriving with gunshot wounds.

The situation remains fluid and developing as investigations continue and more information surfaces.