Palestinians carry bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
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Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Tragic events unfolded on Sunday in the Gaza Strip as at least eight Palestinians lost their lives and many more were injured in a shooting near food distribution points supported by Israel and the U.S. Health officials attributed the violence to the Israeli military, which has yet to provide a statement.
Eyewitnesses recounted how Israeli forces opened fire in the early hours of the morning on Palestinians queuing for aid in the southern city of Rafah.
Experts and aid workers have raised concerns about the dire consequences of Israel’s blockade and military actions in Gaza, leading to widespread hunger and the looming threat of famine among the 2 million residents. The population heavily relies on international aid due to the destruction of Gaza’s food production capabilities during the military campaign.
The conflict in Gaza persists, with repercussions felt even 20 months after the initial attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, triggering a series of events culminating in Israel’s recent strike on Iran.
The recent shooting incident occurred in close proximity to aid distribution sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organization endorsed by Israel and the U.S. as an alternative to the United Nations-led aid distribution system, which has rejected the initiative citing humanitarian concerns.
Reports of daily shootings near the aid sites have emerged since their inauguration last month. Witnesses claim Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted crowds, resulting in numerous casualties. The military has acknowledged firing warning shots at perceived threats approaching their positions.
“There were wounded, dead, and martyrs,” lamented Ahmed al-Masri, recounting the tragic events from his visit to one of the aid points. “It’s a trap,” he added.
Umm Hosni al-Najjar described the chaotic scene as she witnessed the shooting unfold while attempting to reach the aid point in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan neighborhood.
The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed receiving eight bodies following the shooting, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting a total of 65 fatalities from Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours.
The aid distribution system introduced last month has been marred by violence and disorder, while the U.N. system has faced challenges in delivering food due to Israeli restrictions and deteriorating security conditions, despite a partial easing of the blockade imposed earlier this year.
Accusations have been exchanged between Israel, the U.S., and Hamas regarding aid diversion and control. The U.N. contends that the new aid system falls short of Gaza’s needs, grants Israel undue influence over aid distribution, and poses risks of further displacement.
While the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation asserts the absence of violence at the distribution points, cautioning recipients to adhere to designated routes and engaging in dialogue with the military to enhance safety measures.
The conflict initiated by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023 has led to significant casualties and destruction, with ongoing hostilities claiming thousands of lives on both sides.
The protracted war has inflicted extensive damage on Gaza, displacing a large portion of its population multiple times and exacerbating humanitarian crises in the region.
