On Saturday, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian crowds trying to obtain food from distribution sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), resulting in the deaths of at least 32 individuals, as per witnesses and medical officials. The incident took place near GHF hubs situated in southern Gaza, which were established in May, with the aim of replacing the United Nations’ aid distribution system—accused by the US and Israel of being exploited by Hamas militants. However, the UN has refuted those claims.
Despite GHF’s assertion of having delivered millions of meals to Palestinians, many local civilians and health officials report that hundreds have been killed by Israeli army fire while seeking aid. The distribution sites are strategically placed within military-controlled areas. The Israeli military claims they fired warning shots after a group ignored orders to maintain a safe distance, asserting that the shooting incident occurred overnight when the site was closed. GHF contradicted this by saying no conflicts happened at its locations and reiterated warnings for people not to approach at unsafe hours.
Witness accounts point to indiscriminate firing from Israeli forces, with many casualties occurring around three kilometres from a GHF centre near Khan Younis. Various individuals reported the chaos as soldiers used machine guns mounted on tanks and drones, directly targeting crowds. Eyewitness accounts detail the panic and confusion amongst the crowds as people rushed for aid, with one woman questioning the deadly situation: “Is this food or death?”
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received numerous injured individuals, revealing a dire lack of medical supplies, with many patients being treated on the floor due to the overwhelming number. In addition, airstrikes from Israeli forces were reported in various locations across Gaza, resulting in more casualties, including children and women.
Gaza currently faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, affecting over two million residents. Distribution at GHF sites remains disorderly, with reports of frantic crowds scrambling for food supplies. The ongoing conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in significant fatalities and hostage situations. Israel’s military operations since then have reportedly claimed the lives of over 58,000 Palestinians, with estimates suggestive of a high proportion of women and children among the deceased.
Although discussions for a ceasefire are taking place, mediated by international parties in Qatar, there have been no significant developments. As calls for a resolution intensify, thousands attended a rally in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of hostages and an immediate end to the violence.