In yet another heart-wrenching incident amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, at least three Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured near an aid distribution point in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to local health officials.
The site, operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), was believed to be safe, but chaos unfolded as shots were reportedly fired by Israeli troops late Sunday night.
The Israeli military acknowledged awareness of the incident and has launched an investigation. According to its statement, warning shots were fired to deter a group of individuals approaching soldiers during nighttime operations, about one kilometer from the aid distribution point. The GHF, however, maintains that no violence occurred at or near its facility, stating that food distribution proceeded smoothly and without incident.
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent volatility in Gaza, especially following the partial lifting of an Israeli blockade that had been in place for nearly three months. Just a day earlier, at the same location, another deadly event reportedly claimed the lives of 31 Palestinians and injured many more. While the United Nations has called for an independent investigation, Israel has denied involvement, labeling the casualty reports as Hamas-driven misinformation.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that in the past 24 hours alone, 51 Palestinians have been killed and 500 wounded by Israeli strikes across the enclave. Sixteen of those deaths occurred at a family home in Jabalia, further amplifying concerns about civilian safety.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says it has now distributed nearly six million meals since it launched operations just last week. Yet, despite these efforts, famine looms. With over two million people trapped in Gaza and food supplies scarce, hunger continues to drive desperate civilians toward aid centers — even when the risk of death is high.
One of the victims, Hussam Wafi, a father of six, was killed trying to collect food. His brother, Ali, expressed his anguish: “They were only trying to feed their families. The world tells us to collect aid, but when we do, we are met with bullets.”
The GHF’s approach — bypassing traditional aid groups — has faced fierce backlash from the UN and several humanitarian organizations. Critics argue that it violates established humanitarian principles. The Palestinian NGOs Network has even called for a boycott of what it describes as the “U.S.-Israeli aid mechanism.”
Amid these rising tensions, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas appear to have stalled. Both sides blame the other for delays. Israel insists it will only consider a permanent end to the war if Hamas is completely removed from Gaza.
This conflict, which began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, has devastated the region. More than 54,000 Palestinians have died, and much of Gaza lies in ruins.
As humanitarian needs escalate and diplomatic talks falter, civilians continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that offers them no safe refuge — not even in places meant to feed and protect them.
