In a deeply troubling incident that has drawn international condemnation, six Palestinians were killed and several others wounded by Israeli gunfire near a humanitarian aid distribution center in southern Gaza.
The shooting occurred early Saturday morning as hundreds of civilians gathered near the Al-Alam roundabout, hoping to receive food and medical supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire when some individuals attempted to move closer to the aid site.
The Israeli military claimed it had fired warning shots at people who were “advancing in a threatening manner,” but local civil defense officials and humanitarian groups have disputed this account, describing the victims as unarmed civilians desperate for assistance.
This incident is the latest in a series of deadly confrontations near GHF-operated centers. Over the past week alone, dozens of Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured while trying to access aid. The GHF, which was established to bypass traditional UN distribution channels, has faced mounting criticism for its controversial methods and alleged ties to Israeli military objectives.
The United Nations and several humanitarian organizations have refused to collaborate with the foundation, citing concerns over safety and ethics.
Adding to the tragedy, Israeli airstrikes on a residential home in Gaza City reportedly killed at least 15 more people on the same day. Among the casualties was Asaad Abu Sharia, a senior figure in the Mujahideen Brigades, whom Israel accused of involvement in the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. According to the territory’s health ministry, more than 54,000 people have been killed since the conflict began nearly 20 months ago.
The UN has warned that the entire population is at risk of famine, and recent efforts to deliver aid have been hampered by violence, overcrowding, and political disputes.
As global outrage grows, calls for a ceasefire and a reassessment of aid distribution strategies are intensifying. The latest killings have only deepened criticism of Israel’s approach and raised urgent questions about the safety and dignity of civilians caught in the crossfire