Gunfire Erupts Near Gaza Aid Centre Amid Rising Tensions
Palestinians in Gaza have reported that both Israeli troops and armed local groups opened fire as civilians approached a US-funded humanitarian aid centre. The centre, managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has become a flashpoint for violence since aid distribution began on May 26, 2025.
Frequent Deadly Incidents Near Aid Points
Since the GHF started its assistance efforts, tensions have escalated around its four distribution centres, particularly in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. Dozens of Palestinians have been caught in the crossfire, with reports of fatalities while trying to access much-needed supplies along routes regulated by the Israeli military.
Conflicting Accounts Surround the Latest Shooting
The latest incident reportedly involved gunfire from both Israeli forces and local Palestinian gunmen targeting civilians heading to the GHF site. Witnesses described a chilling scene where young men were shot, forcing survivors into immediate danger.
Mohammed Sakout, a beneficiary at the distribution point, recounted narrowly escaping harm, saying, "Several young men were shot and killed right behind me. I narrowly escaped death - some bullets passed just inches from my head." He added that while Israeli troops have long been blamed for such attacks, the emergence of local militias firing on civilians is a shocking development.
Casualty Figures and Official Responses
The Gaza health ministry, administered by Hamas, reported six dead and 99 wounded in the latest shooting. Meanwhile, the GHF has denied any attack occurred at their Tal al-Sultan site on that day, confirming that the centre was closed for operations.
Israel’s military has consistently denied targeting civilians indiscriminately. Instead, it claims to engage only when identifying suspects ignoring warnings in sensitive military zones.
Additional Challenges to Aid Delivery
Exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, a yacht carrying aid to Gaza was intercepted at the Israeli port of Ashdod and its passengers were deported via Ben Gurion Airport. This move underscores the complex and often fraught logistics surrounding aid efforts in the region.
The Ongoing Struggle for Safe Humanitarian Access
As violence around aid centres persists, civilians in Gaza face growing barriers to essential relief. The conflicting narratives and daily dangers highlight the urgent need for reliable and secure humanitarian corridors to ensure aid reaches those in desperate need.
Key Takeaways:
- Since late May, multiple fatal incidents have occurred near GHF aid centres in Gaza.
- The latest attack reportedly involved both Israeli troops and local gunmen firing at aid recipients.
- The conflicting reports leave many questions about accountability and safety.
- Humanitarian efforts face further hurdles as aid shipments are intercepted and volunteers deported.
