Gunfire at Gaza Aid Center Results in Dozens of Casualties
In a deadly incident near an aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza, at least 31 people were killed and over 170 wounded after gunfire erupted as crowds gathered to receive food aid. The Israeli military denied involvement in the attack and instead accused Hamas militants of firing at civilians.
IDF Releases Drone Footage Accusing Hamas
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shared drone footage allegedly showing armed, masked individuals firing towards civilians who were attempting to collect aid. The IDF suggested Hamas is actively obstructing the distribution of humanitarian assistance, claiming the group aims to prevent Palestinians from obtaining food in Gaza.
IDF statement: "Drone footage shows gunmen in Gaza shooting at civilians going to collect aid. Hamas is doing everything in its power to prevent the successful distribution of food in Gaza."
Conflicting Reports on Source of Gunfire
While the IDF denied firing near the site, an anonymous Israeli military official acknowledged that troops had fired warning shots at suspects who were advancing toward their position overnight. Conversely, eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds near the aid site just before dawn.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates the aid distribution point with support from Israeli and U.S. entities, stated that aid was delivered without incident. The foundation also released video footage showing people collecting aid but denied previous reports of violence around its sites.
Mass Casualties Among Civilians at Rafah
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that its field hospital in Rafah received 179 casualties, including women and children. Of these, 21 were dead upon arrival, mainly suffering from gunshot wounds or shrapnel injuries.
According to the ICRC, all patients indicated they were attempting to reach the aid distribution site, making this the highest number of weapon-related injuries in a single incident treated by the hospital since its establishment over a year ago.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Mohammed Abu Teaima, a Gaza resident, recounted seeing Israeli forces open fire, killing his cousin and a woman as they headed to the aid center. He described the shooting as "heavy fire directly toward us."
- Ibrahim Abu Saoud witnessed gunfire from approximately 300 meters away and saw numerous casualties with gunshot wounds, including a young man who died at the scene.
Reactions from Aid Organizations
Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Program, described the event as a "tragedy," highlighting that aid distribution in the region has become perilous. Philippe Lazzarini, director of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, echoed concerns, labeling the distribution process a "death trap."
Challenges in Delivering Aid Amid Blockade and Conflict
The United Nations continues to face significant obstacles in delivering assistance to about two million Palestinians living in Gaza. Despite a slight easing of the nearly three-month blockade last month, Israeli restrictions, ongoing security instability, and widespread looting hinder aid efforts.
This volatile environment complicates the ability to provide essential food and medical supplies, raising urgent concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
