Introduction
In one of the most distressing incidents of the Gaza humanitarian crisis, at least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire near an aid distribution site in central Gaza aid site, according to officials at al-Aqsa and al-Awda hospitals. The shooting occurred near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site located in the Israeli-controlled Netzarim Corridor — adding to the chaos and desperation surrounding humanitarian aid in the region.
What Happened at the Netzarim Corridor?
The tragedy unfolded as large groups of civilians gathered in hopes of receiving food parcels from the GHF, a US- and Israel-backed aid organization. Although the GHF site was officially closed on Sunday, many Palestinians stayed nearby to secure positions for when aid resumed.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they had identified a potential threat and fired warning shots. They also confirmed that an aircraft struck an individual advancing rapidly toward troops. However, hospitals report multiple deaths and injuries with no signs that the victims posed immediate threats.
Multiple Shooting Incidents Across Gaza
In a separate incident reported by Al-Shifa hospital, 12 additional Palestinians were killed on the coastal road northwest of Gaza City while waiting for aid convoys. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says 29 civilians have died while seeking aid in the past 48 hours alone — bringing the death toll since GHF operations began two weeks ago to a staggering 274.
Rising Death Toll and Desperate Conditions
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 55,297 people have died since the war began in October 2023. The current lack of food, internet access, and medical services is pushing civilians to the brink. Aid trucks are struggling to enter, and locals are being shot at while trying to reach basic necessities.
Nasser Hospital on the Verge of Collapse
Further south in Khan Younis, at least 16 people were reported killed overnight by Israeli airstrikes. Nasser Hospital, the last fully functional facility in southern Gaza, is now under evacuation pressure, with aid agencies warning it may cease operations soon.
Dr. Victoria Rose, a former volunteer, noted, “This is the only hospital in the south with an ICU, CT scanner, and dialysis. Without it, hundreds will die instantly.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that the hospital has lost approximately 10% of its staff due to evacuation orders. Calls from medics for urgent international intervention have gone unanswered so far.
Israel’s Military Campaign and Global Response
This comes as Israel’s military campaign — now in its 20th month — shows no signs of de-escalating. Triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, Israel has since been engaged in a full-scale assault on the Gaza Strip.
International aid organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have warned of potential violations of international law. They urge Israel to protect medical infrastructure and ensure safe humanitarian access.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgency
The shooting at the Gaza aid site is more than a tragic misstep — it’s a glaring reflection of a conflict spiraling beyond control. With food, safety, and healthcare all under siege, the civilians of Gaza are increasingly left with nowhere to turn.
Immediate international intervention is crucial. The world must hold accountable those obstructing aid and violating the rules of war.
For more background, read our in-depth Middle East conflict analysis.
