Palestinians pray during a funeral for people who were killed while heading to a Gaza aid hub on Sunday.
A deadly shooting near an aid distribution site in Gaza has left dozens of Palestinians dead and many more injured, according to Palestinian health officials and eyewitnesses. The incident, which unfolded early Sunday, has intensified global concern about the safety and effectiveness of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid mechanism supported by the United States.
Bloodshed Amid Desperation
Palestinian authorities report that at least 31 people were shot dead, with over 200 injured, including women and children. Many were struck in the head or chest. Eyewitnesses claim Israeli forces opened fire near the Al-Alam roundabout, approximately 800 meters from the aid hub in Rafah.
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed receiving 179 casualties, including 21 dead upon arrival. Nasser Hospital also received many wounded. This marks the highest number of weapon-related injuries in a single event since the Red Cross field hospital was established over a year ago.
Conflicting Narratives on the Gaza Aid Tragedy
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) firmly denied shooting civilians at or near the distribution site. According to an Israeli military source, warning shots were fired at individuals nearly a kilometer away, well before the site officially opened. GHF echoed the denial, calling reports of gunfire “fake” and “fabricated.”
However, eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, stampedes, and indiscriminate gunfire. “It’s not a humanitarian point — it’s a death trap,” said one survivor. Video footage released later showed crowds fleeing, some carrying empty bags and boxes, but few with actual aid.
Aid That Costs Lives?
UNRWA Director Philippe Lazzarini posted on X, calling the distribution effort a “death trap” that resulted in mass casualties. International medics on the ground echoed those concerns, painting a dire picture of civilians being shot while scrambling for food.
Dr. Ahmed Abu Sweid, an Australian doctor working in Gaza, confirmed that most injuries were from gunshots and shrapnel. “Victims had wounds to the head and thorax,” he said.
One witness, Mohammad Qdeih, claimed the crowd was told the gates would open at 5:30 a.m., only for gunfire to erupt shortly after. “They’re sniping everyone — women, children, innocent civilians,”.
GHF Model Under Fire
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was set up as an alternative to traditional UN channels, amid Israeli accusations that Hamas has been stealing aid. But critics argue the GHF lacks proper safeguards and transparency. Unlike UN agencies, GHF does not verify identities or register families, raising security and equity concerns.
Despite the bloodshed, GHF reported no incidents at its aid site on Sunday. It released surveillance videos showing crowds receiving aid peacefully and denied any violence occurred. “All aid was distributed without incident,” a spokesperson said.
Chaos Not an Isolated Incident
Just a day later, three more Palestinians were shot and dozens wounded while approaching the same aid hub. The IDF claimed those fired upon were “suspects” advancing toward troops and said only warning shots were used.
Civilians continue to risk everything to get aid. Some walk hours through the night, only to return empty-handed. “I couldn’t get any aid,” said Abdul Majid Al-Zayti. “I’m an old man. My children are hungry. No one helps.”
Another witness described the scene: “Four or five wooden boards with aid on them. People storm in and fight for scraps.”
International Criticism Mounts
The United Nations has condemned the GHF’s operations, stating they violate humanitarian principles. Critics warn the chaotic system endangers civilians instead of helping them.
Since the GHF’s launch last week, at least 11 people had already died in earlier aid-related incidents. The tragedy on Sunday has amplified scrutiny over the foundation’s methods and Israel’s role in securing the aid zones.
Calls for Change Amid Growing Hunger
Despite the criticism, GHF insists it is the only group able to deliver food under current conditions. Interim executive director John Acree acknowledged that “the flow of humanitarian relief into Gaza remains far below what’s needed.”
On Sunday alone, GHF claimed to have delivered 887,000 meals across Gaza, with plans to expand aid points in the coming weeks. But for those mourning loved ones or still waiting for food, the situation remains bleak. The ongoing crisis calls for urgent reforms, clear accountability, and above all, the protection of innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
