At least four Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza before dawn, according to health workers in the territory. The incident occurred as people gathered hoping to receive food and supplies from a newly established aid site.
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Palestinian paramedics reported evacuating four bodies after the shooting near the aid center in the Rafah area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated troops issued a verbal warning and fired warning shots at a group moving towards them that was deemed a threat. The IDF acknowledged reports of injuries but said the reported number did “not align with the information currently held.”
Context: New Aid Distribution System
This event is the latest in a series of deadly incidents near aid distribution points managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF is a new organization supported by Israel and the United States.
The system aims to facilitate the entry of limited aid into Gaza, which began after a three-month blockade. Israel has prioritized aid distribution through the GHF, stating its goal is to bypass the United Nations, which it claims has failed to prevent aid diversion by Hamas.
However, humanitarian groups and the UN have criticized the GHF system. The UN has disputed claims of widespread aid diversion and described the GHF mechanism as unworkable and unethical.
Previous Incidents and IDF Responses
The GHF has faced controversy since it began operations. Reports from medics and local health authorities claim over 60 Palestinians were killed by gunfire during the foundation’s first three days of distributing aid. Multiple witnesses have attributed these deaths to Israeli soldiers.
The IDF has stated that during the initial two days, warning shots were fired, and on the third day, shots were fired near Palestinian individuals advancing towards their positions. The IDF is investigating these incidents.
On Saturday, the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported that six Palestinians were killed and several others wounded by Israeli gunfire. The Israeli military responded by stating troops fired warning shots at individuals who approached them in a manner they perceived as threatening.
The Israeli army has set specific hours, from 06:00 to 18:00 local time, for Palestinians to move to and from GHF distribution sites. Outside these hours, the areas are designated as “active combat zones.”
The GHF confirmed opening three sites on Sunday, one in central Gaza at 06:00 and two more in Rafah at noon. The latest deadly incident reportedly occurred before the Rafah sites were scheduled to open and before the designated safe hours for movement.
Woman sorting through discarded cardboard boxes near a Gaza aid distribution point
Related Developments: Freedom Flotilla
In a separate development, a flotilla organized by activists is currently attempting to sail to Gaza to challenge the Israeli blockade. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg among the crew of the vessel Madleen, is preparing for potential interception by Israeli forces.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prevent the boat from reaching Gaza, issuing a warning for the vessel to turn back.
Ongoing Challenges
The latest deaths near the aid center highlight the continued dangers faced by civilians seeking humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The incident also underscores the ongoing controversy and operational challenges surrounding the new GHF distribution system, which has drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations and the UN.
For more information on this topic, explore our coverage of What we know about killings near US-Israeli backed Gaza aid site and how Killings near Gaza aid centre will deepen criticism of Israel’s new distribution system.
