31 Palestinians lost their lives and many others were hurt during a chaotic situation at an aid distribution point in southern Gaza, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This event took place close to a center run by a US-supported private organization.
The Health Ministry accused Israeli forces of being responsible for the fatalities, saying that those who died were shot in the head or chest. Over 200 individuals sustained injuries, with several in critical condition. Some witnesses also claimed that security personnel at the aid distribution site began shooting.
In response to questions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were "unaware of any injuries caused by IDF fire at the Humanitarian Aid distribution site" and confirmed that no IDF members were injured.
The IDF also mentioned that the situation is still being investigated.
A paramedic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), the only medical team present, said that "crowds of citizens were going to get food aid" when the gunfire started. However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the group managing the site, claimed that "there was no gunfire in the center or in the nearby area."
The GHF, supported by Israel and the United States, was created to offer assistance in response to Israel's allegations that Hamas was misappropriating aid. Humanitarian groups have contested these assertions, stating that there is no reliable evidence.
The United Nations and related aid organizations have condemned the GHF’s aid distribution framework, claiming it does not adhere to humanitarian standards and heightens risks for civilians. In contrast to UN agencies, which utilize registered databases and confirm identities, the GHF has allegedly been distributing aid without any screening.
The existing system has already faced backlash. Before the incident on Sunday, 11 individuals had been reported dead and many others injured since the GHF commenced its operations. The foundation had earlier claimed that no fatalities or injuries had occurred since the initiation of aid deliveries.
On Sunday, the GHF revealed intentions to broaden its operations, which includes setting up new locations in northern Gaza. It asserted that it had provided over 4.7 million meals within six days, with 16 truckloads delivering more than 887,000 meals on Sunday morning.
The GHF’s claims that aid distribution took place “without incident,” reports from the field depict a more troubling scenario. Conflicting narratives continue to surface, raising increasing alarm regarding the safety of civilians in need of life-saving support.