Dozens Killed As Aid Becomes Death Trap Under Israeli Watch in Gaza

The Palestinian Health Ministry said 31 people were killed and over 200 injured after gunfire erupted near an aid site in Rafah run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Eyewitnesses and local doctors said Israeli forces were responsible for the shooting, which reportedly took place around the “Al-Alam” roundabout, less than a kilometer from the GHF site.

“All those killed were shot in the head or chest,” a spokesperson from the health ministry said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said its nearby field hospital received 179 wounded civilians, including women and children, and confirmed 21 were dead on arrival.

“This is the highest number of weapon-wounded in a single incident since the hospital was established over a year ago,” the Red Cross said.

Thousands of Palestinians had gathered near the distribution point before dawn, hoping to receive aid.

Paramedics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the only medical presence in the area at the time, described a scene of panic and chaos under heavy gunfire.

One medical official said, “Whether it’s Israeli soldiers or others working under their orders, the area is under their security control — they are responsible.”

Israel’s military denied any wrongdoing, calling reports of soldiers firing near the aid site “false.”

In a post on X, Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, said: “Aid distribution has become a death trap. Mass casualties including scores of injured and killed among starving civilians due to gunshots this morning.”

Dr. Ahmed Abu Sweid, an Australian doctor working at Nasser Hospital, said victims had gunshot and shrapnel wounds, including injuries to the head and thorax.

Witnesses described a desperate scene.

One man, Ghassan Eid Al-Aghan, said, “We couldn’t even reach the place where aid was being handed out.”

“It’s not a humanitarian point — it’s a death trap,” said another eyewitness.

Videos from CNN showed large crowds fleeing the scene, many carrying empty bags and boxes.

A man named Mohammad Qdeih said intense gunfire erupted just as people were told the gates would open.

“They’re sniping everyone — women, children, innocent civilians who have nothing to do with anything,” he said.

Another man, Basel Abu Alwan, said instructions were given by a drone to return at 6 a.m., but as the crowd moved forward, random gunfire began.

“Whoever can grab something does. If not, they may get trampled,” he said.

Civilians said they walked for hours from different parts of Gaza, many leaving empty-handed.

Abdul Majid Al-Zayti, who walked for seven hours, said, “I couldn’t get any aid. I’m an old man. I have hungry children. No-one in this world wants to help them.”

One man who declined to give his name described the aid operation as a cruel spectacle: “They place four or five wooden boards with aid and open the gates for people to storm and fight over it.”

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the United States and supported by Israel, was created amid accusations that Hamas diverted aid — allegations Israel has not substantiated.

Unlike UN aid agencies such as UNRWA, the GHF does not verify the identity of aid recipients or use a database of registered families.

Critics, including UN officials, say the GHF violates core humanitarian principles and exposes Palestinians to further danger.

A recent surge of violence at GHF sites has drawn increasing condemnation.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 11 deaths and dozens of injuries at aid sites even before Sunday’s incident.

In a statement on Sunday, the GHF denied gunfire occurred at or near its center.

“All aid was distributed today without incident,” the foundation claimed.

Despite the violence, GHF said it would continue expanding its operations and claimed it had delivered over 4.7 million meals in six days.

John Acree, the interim executive director, acknowledged the massive shortfall in humanitarian aid.

“The flow of humanitarian relief into Gaza remains far below what’s needed,” he said.

He added, “We are still operating under immense constraints and at the mercy of factors beyond our control.”

Meanwhile, survivors and humanitarian observers warn that GHF sites — promoted as solutions — have become lethal traps under occupation, offering food under the threat of bullets.