Deadly Incidents Reported at Gaza Aid Distribution Points
At least 44 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded on Tuesday morning as Israeli forces and drones opened fire on crowds waiting for desperately needed humanitarian aid in separate incidents across central and southern Gaza. The tragic events occurred as the Gaza Health Ministry announced the total death toll from the conflict has now surpassed 56,000.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and bloodshed as people gathered in hopes of receiving food supplies amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis. These latest deaths add to a grim pattern, with Palestinian officials and aid seekers reporting repeated instances of Israeli forces firing on crowds seeking assistance in recent weeks. The Israeli military has previously stated it fires warning shots at individuals it deems suspicious approaching its forces.
Attacks Detailed Across Gaza
Two primary incidents resulting in significant casualties were reported on Tuesday:
Central Gaza: South of Wadi Gaza, near the key Netzarim corridor that separates northern and southern Gaza, witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire from tanks and drones as people moved eastward towards aid trucks. “It was a massacre,” recounted one witness, stating the firing continued even as people fled. Another described a “chaotic and bloody” scene, seeing motionless bodies among those attempting to escape. Hospitals receiving the wounded reported substantial casualties. The Awda hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp received 25 dead and 146 wounded from this area, with 62 in critical condition requiring transfer. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah reported receiving six additional bodies from the same incident. The Israeli military stated it was reviewing this incident.
Southern Gaza (Rafah): In Gaza’s southernmost city, witnesses reported Israeli troops firing as crowds tried to reach a food distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Shakoush area. According to Nasser hospital and Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 19 people were killed and 50 others wounded here. Witnesses spoke of heavy gunfire directed at the large crowd. One man, shot in the leg, saw forces firing towards those moving towards the site. Another helped evacuate wounded individuals hit in the chest and legs, lamenting, “It was the same tragedy every day: We seek food and the occupation opens fire and kills many.” The Israeli military did not immediately comment on this incident.
Controversy Over Aid Distribution
The incidents highlight the perilous conditions faced by Palestinians seeking aid, particularly at new distribution points like those operated by the GHF. These sites, run by an American contractor with support from the U.S. and Israeli governments, have reportedly faced violence and disorder since opening last month. A U.S. official confirmed authorization of $30 million for the GHF program.
Israel supports the GHF initiative as an alternative to the system coordinated by the United Nations and international aid groups. Israel and the U.S. have accused Hamas of diverting aid, though they have not provided evidence, and the U.N. denies systematic diversion. Crucially, GHF sites are located within Israeli military zones, restricting access for independent media to verify accounts. The GHF itself posted a social media message advising people not to approach their Rafah hub after distribution concluded for the day.
War’s Mounting Death Toll
Beyond Tuesday’s casualties at aid sites, the Gaza Health Ministry provided an updated overall death toll for the conflict, stating that 56,077 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s 21-month military operation. This figure includes 5,759 deaths reported since Israel resumed significant fighting on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire.
The war began after Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages. The current death toll in Gaza far exceeds that of any previous Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Health Ministry’s figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants but state that more than half of those killed are women and children. Israel maintains that it targets only militants and attributes civilian deaths to Hamas operating within densely populated civilian areas. Israel claims to have killed over 20,000 Hamas militants but has not provided public evidence to support this figure, and Hamas has not commented on its fighter casualties.
