At least 31 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured during a chaotic outbreak of gunfire near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The site is operated by a US-backed private foundation.
The Health Ministry accused Israeli forces of causing the fatalities, reporting that many victims were shot in the head or chest. Over 200 people were injured, with numerous cases described as critical. Some eyewitnesses also claimed that security personnel at the distribution site opened fire.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied involvement, stating they were “unaware of injuries caused by IDF fire within the Humanitarian Aid distribution site” and confirmed no IDF personnel were harmed. The incident remains under investigation.
A paramedic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the sole medical team present, said “crowds of citizens headed to receive food aid” when gunfire erupted. However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which runs the center, insisted there was “no gunfire in the center or surrounding area.”
The GHF, supported by Israel and the US, was established amid Israeli claims that Hamas diverts humanitarian aid—claims disputed by other humanitarian organizations for lacking credible evidence.
The United Nations and affiliated agencies have criticized the GHF’s distribution methods, arguing they violate humanitarian principles and endanger civilians. Unlike UN programs that verify recipients through registered databases, the GHF reportedly distributes aid without screening.
Since the GHF began operations, 11 deaths and dozens of injuries had already been reported prior to Sunday’s incident, despite the foundation’s earlier claims of no casualties.
On Sunday, the GHF announced plans to expand, opening new sites in northern Gaza, and reported delivering over 4.7 million meals in six days—including 16 truckloads providing more than 887,000 meals on Sunday morning alone.
While the GHF insists aid distribution has proceeded “without incident,” conflicting reports from the ground raise serious concerns about the safety of civilians seeking life-saving assistance in the volatile region.
