Deadly Attack Near Aid Centre in Rafah, Gaza
At least 26 Palestinians were killed and over 80 injured after Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution site in the southern Gaza Strip, specifically in the Rafah area. Thousands of Palestinians had gathered at the site close to the Al-Alam roundabout, near an aid centre operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), when Israeli tanks reportedly approached and fired on the crowd.
The injured were transported to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, one of the few hospitals still functioning in the area, some even on donkey carts due to limited resources.
Humanitarian Crisis and Accusations
This incident occurred amid growing international concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of looming famine risks caused by a prolonged blockade and restricted aid since a truce collapsed in March 2025.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a private organization supported by Israel and the United States, resumed limited food distribution in Gaza on May 26, following a partial easing of a two-month blockade. However, major aid agencies, including the United Nations, have criticized GHF's approach, arguing it violates established humanitarian principles and potentially serves military objectives.
The UN’s World Food Programme has urged Israeli authorities to expedite and increase the volume of food assistance entering Gaza, emphasizing that the worsening situation is fueling insecurity among the population.
In response to the attack, Hamas condemned the Israeli forces' actions near the so-called humanitarian aid distribution sites, describing them as "mass death traps" rather than relief points for civilians in desperate need.
Ceasefire Negotiations and Conflict Update
Amid ongoing hostilities, Hamas reportedly responded positively to a US-backed ceasefire proposal, calling for a permanent truce and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, the US negotiator dismissed Hamas’s response as unacceptable, emphasizing the urgency of achieving a ceasefire agreement.
On the other hand, Israel issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding acceptance of the ceasefire terms and the release of hostages or facing potential annihilation.
Since the conflict intensified in March 2025 following the collapse of a previous ceasefire, thousands have lost their lives. Official figures from Gaza’s health ministry state that over 4,100 Palestinians have died, predominantly civilians. Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel from Hamas's October 2023 attack stands at over 1,200, mostly civilians. As of the latest briefings, 57 hostages remain in Gaza.
Summary of Key Facts
- Casualties: 26 Palestinians killed, more than 80 wounded near Rafah aid site.
- Hospital Impact: Injured transported to one of Gaza’s few functioning hospitals under limited conditions.
- Aid Distribution: Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributing food since May 26, amid controversy.
- Ceasefire Attempts: Hamas responded to US-backed proposal; US rejects the reply.
- Ongoing Conflict Toll: Over 4,100 Palestinian deaths and more than 1,200 Israeli deaths reported since October 2023.
Looking Forward
The recent violence near humanitarian zones highlights the severe challenges faced in delivering aid and protecting civilians amid the persistent conflict. International calls continue for increased humanitarian access and a sustainable ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the dire situation in Gaza.
