Deadly Attack on Aid Seekers Rocks Khan Younis
Scores of Palestinians seeking desperately needed food aid were killed and hundreds wounded recently in a devastating attack on crowds gathered in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The incident, reportedly involving tank shells, machine guns, and drones, resulted in over 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries, marking the single deadliest day so far at aid distribution sites since operations began in late May. The casualties in Khan Younis contributed to a total of 89 Palestinians killed across the besieged enclave on that day alone.
Witnesses described scenes of horror as forces reportedly fired on the large crowds assembled along a main eastern road, hoping to receive flour. Accounts from survivors paint a grim picture of chaos and violence.
“Fire was coming from everywhere,” stated one survivor.
Another called the event a “massacre,” recounting seeing many bodies lying motionless and bleeding while soldiers reportedly continued to fire on those attempting to flee. Medical sources at Nasser Hospital, where casualties were treated, noted the severity of injuries, with some victims reportedly “shredded to pieces” or “torn apart,” making identification difficult. Many of the injured were in critical condition, overwhelming the capacity of local healthcare facilities.
Escalating Violence at Aid Points
This deadly assault is part of a distressing pattern of violence targeting Palestinians trying to access humanitarian assistance. Since aid distribution began in late May, reports indicate a significant cumulative death toll, with figures suggesting over 300 people killed and thousands wounded under similar circumstances near distribution points. UN figures indicate that as of the day prior to the Khan Younis incident, 338 people had been killed and over 2,800 injured while seeking food. Health officials in Gaza have provided slightly higher cumulative figures.
The incident in Khan Younis surpassed a previous grim record set just days prior in the Rafah area, where 38 people were killed, mostly while seeking aid. Deadly incidents at these sites have reportedly become a near-daily occurrence.
The Aid Landscape Amidst Blockade
The desperate search for food occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis fueled by ongoing restrictions. Aid distribution sites opened in late May after a partial easing of a near-total blockade that had been in place for nearly three months. However, critical supplies remain scarce, leading to widespread fears of famine across the territory of 2.3 million people. Despite the partial lifting, effectively no other aid has been allowed in, maintaining a punishing blockade.
The distribution effort has largely relied on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an initiative reportedly backed by the United States and Israel. This approach has drawn sharp criticism; the United Nations and major humanitarian groups have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns it prioritizes Israeli military aims and bypasses established, experienced aid organizations that previously provided aid across Gaza. Critics have described these aid points as “human slaughterhouses,” highlighting the extreme danger involved. Reports indicate GHF operations have even faced temporary suspensions previously due to similar deadly incidents.
Many hungry Palestinians are forced into an impossible choice: risk starvation at home or face potentially lethal danger attempting to obtain food.
International Condemnation and Calls for Accountability
The international community has voiced strong condemnation following the killings. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for accountability. His deputy spokesman stated the repeated shootings of people seeking food were “unacceptable.”
The UN human rights chief also condemned the conduct of military operations, describing the means and methods used as inflicting “horrifying, unconscionable suffering.” He accused Israel of having “weaponised food” and pointed to “disturbing, dehumanising rhetoric” from some officials, warning it was “reminiscent of the gravest of crimes.” He called for “immediate, impartial investigations into deadly attacks on desperate civilians” trying to reach food.
Israeli Military Statement
Responding to previous incidents, the Israeli military has typically stated its soldiers fired warning shots at individuals approaching their positions, though without confirming casualties. Regarding the latest Khan Younis incident, the IDF stated its forces fired in the area and that the event is under investigation. The military expressed regret for harm caused to civilians, asserting that a gathering was identified near a stuck aid distribution truck close to Israeli troops operating in the area.
Broader Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Beyond the dangers at aid sites, the humanitarian situation remains dire. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urgently pleaded for fuel to be allowed into Gaza to keep the few functioning hospitals operational. According to the WHO, no fuel had entered Gaza for over 100 days as of recently, and attempts to retrieve existing stocks have been denied. Only a fraction of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain minimally to partially functional, collectively operating with significantly reduced bed capacity compared to before the conflict.
The escalating violence at aid distribution points underscores the extreme peril faced by civilians in Gaza as they grapple with starvation and a collapsed healthcare system. The tragic death toll highlights the urgent need for safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and accountability for attacks targeting desperate populations.
