At least 31 Palestinians killed near Gaza aid distribution site

At least 31 Palestinians lost their lives and many others were injured on Sunday while attempting to receive food aid in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials and eyewitness accounts. Witnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds approximately one kilometer from an aid distribution center managed by an Israeli-backed organization.

Aid deliveries by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have been chaotic, with several witnesses saying Israeli troops fired near the distribution points. Prior to Sunday, local health officials reported at least six deaths and over 50 injuries.

The Gaza Health Ministry updated its casualty figures on Sunday to 31 dead and 170 wounded. Earlier, Red Cross officials at a nearby field hospital confirmed at least 21 deaths and 175 injuries but did not specify who was responsible for the shooting. An Associated Press reporter saw many wounded being treated there.

The foundation denied reports of deaths and chaos, stating that 16 truckloads of aid were distributed without incident early Sunday.

The Israeli military stated it was not aware of injuries caused by its fire at the aid site but said the situation was still under review.

Gunfire broke out near a roundabout close to the distribution site in an area controlled by Israeli forces. Eyewitnesses said troops fired on people moving toward the aid center.

Ibrahim Abu Saoud, an eyewitness, described seeing many casualties, including women, while being about 300 meters from the military position. He also recounted seeing a young man fatally shot.

Mohammed Abu Teaima said Israeli forces killed his cousin and another woman as they approached the aid hub, with many others wounded including his brother-in-law.

Israel and the United States say the new aid distribution system is meant to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance, though no proof has been provided and the UN denies any such diversion.

The UN and major aid organizations have rejected cooperation with this system, citing violations of humanitarian principles and military motives.

Delivering aid to Gaza remains extremely difficult due to Israeli restrictions, lawlessness, and looting. Experts warn Gaza risks famine without increased aid.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 and abducting 251 people, some of whom remain hostages.

Israel’s military offensive has killed over 54,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, displaced 90% of the population, and devastated the territory, making it heavily dependent on international aid.