At least five Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Sunday near aid distribution centers in Gaza, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses. The casualties reportedly occurred when Israeli forces opened fire near the sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli and U.S.-backed group.
Israel’s military, however, claimed it only fired warning shots at individuals who approached its forces in what it called an “active combat zone,” stating those involved ignored multiple warnings to stay away.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear, alleging that people were targeted while trying to access desperately needed food early in the morning. “This isn’t aid, it’s a trap,” said Adham Dahman, a survivor treated at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
GHF, which resumed operations on Sunday after briefly halting distribution due to safety concerns, insisted there was no violence at any of its three aid hubs. All are located within Israeli-controlled military zones, which remain off-limits to independent media.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened as over 90% of the population has been displaced, and food supplies are critically low. The UN and other aid agencies have struggled to operate due to military restrictions and security breakdowns, while the U.S. and Israel push to shift aid coordination to GHF.
Tensions remain high amid the ongoing war that began with Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel. Talks for a ceasefire and hostage release have stalled, while Gaza’s death toll has now surpassed 54,800, according to local authorities.
