At least six Palestinians were killed and several more injured by Israeli gunfire near a Gaza aid distribution site Gaza aid site on Saturday, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The incident occurred near a humanitarian centre in southern Gaza, operated by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), sparking international condemnation of Israel’s new distribution model.
⚠️ What Happened at the Gaza aid site?
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli troops opened fire when civilians tried to move toward the aid centre. The Israeli military claimed they fired “warning shots” at individuals deemed threatening. However, overcrowding, desperation, and lack of coordination have made these aid sites deadly for civilians.
According to the BBC, dozens of Palestinians have been killed or injured this past week while attempting to collect food and medicine.
💥 Civilian Casualties Continue to Rise
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City killed at least 15 more people, with many others trapped in the rubble. The Israeli army stated that it eliminated a senior member of the Mujahideen Brigades, linked to the deadly October 7 attacks. Among the deceased, Israeli forces reportedly recovered the body of a Thai national, Nattapong Pinta, from Rafah during a special operation.
⚖️ GHF’s Role & Rising Criticism
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and the U.S., has suspended its operations temporarily. Officials cited the need to restructure for crowd control and security, but local authorities and aid organizations remain skeptical Gaza aid site.
Hamas denies Israeli claims that it threatened GHF workers. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups insist the GHF model is dangerous, exclusionary, and politically motivated.
The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to accountable and equitable aid distribution, asserting that it can account for all its supplies. However, Israel continues to bypass the UN, citing alleged misuse of aid by Hamas.
For a historical overview, read our Hamas-Israel conflict timeline.
📈 Humanitarian Emergency
Gaza’s Health Ministry now reports over 54,677 deaths since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, following Hamas’s cross-border assault. Food, clean water, and medical supplies remain critically short.
The World Food Programme warns of famine-like conditions, exacerbated by repeated aid blockages and airstrikes near supply routes.
Explore how the UN Gaza relief operations are responding to the crisis.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
- Four GHF centres operate across Gaza, often in contested zones.
- Many Palestinians must cross active combat zones to access aid.
- The new distribution model has been condemned as unethical and unsafe.
- Efforts to investigate Israeli military conduct remain ongoing.
🛑 Conclusion
This latest incident adds to a growing list of tragedies stemming from the flawed aid distribution system in Gaza. As world leaders debate accountability and the future of humanitarian relief in conflict zones, the civilian population continues to pay the ultimate price.
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