Israeli Forces Kill 31 Near Gaza Aid Center
At least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 200 others wounded during a chaotic incident at a humanitarian aid distribution site in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The deadly event unfolded near a center operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed private organization created to manage food aid in the war-torn region.
The Health Ministry alleged that Israeli forces were responsible for the casualties, claiming the victims were shot in the head or chest. Many of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.
Some eyewitnesses also claimed that gunfire came from security personnel stationed at the distribution site itself.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, denied involvement, stating they were “unaware of injuries caused by IDF fire within the Humanitarian Aid distribution site,” and confirmed that no IDF troops were injured during the incident. The military added that the matter is currently under review.
A paramedic with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)—the only emergency medical team present at the site—reported that large crowds had gathered to receive food aid when gunfire suddenly broke out.
Meanwhile, GHF issued a statement denying any shooting occurred at or near the aid center.
The organization has faced mounting scrutiny over its methods of aid delivery, which diverge sharply from internationally recognized humanitarian standards.
GHF was created in response to Israeli claims that Hamas has been seizing humanitarian aid from international organizations.
Backed by both Israel and the United States, GHF operates independently of the United Nations and major aid agencies.
Critics—including UN officials and humanitarian groups—say the foundation’s ad hoc distribution process lacks accountability, fails to screen beneficiaries, and exposes civilians to danger.
Prior to Sunday’s tragedy, the GHF had already faced criticism after reports emerged of 11 deaths and dozens of injuries at its distribution points.
Yet the foundation maintained that no casualties had occurred since operations began.
On the same day as the deadly incident, GHF announced the expansion of its efforts, revealing plans to establish additional aid sites in northern Gaza and boasting that it had delivered over 4.7 million meals in just six days.
Despite the foundation’s claims that Sunday’s operations were “incident-free,” accounts from Gaza continue to paint a starkly different picture.
Conflicting narratives from aid workers, survivors, and military officials have only deepened concerns over the safety and transparency of GHF’s activities, amid a broader humanitarian crisis that has left millions of Gazans desperate for food, medical aid, and protection.
Israeli Forces Kill 31 Near Gaza Aid Center