Gaza City, Gaza Strip — Israeli forces have reportedly killed 59 Palestinians across Gaza, with at least 17 of them being victims while seeking food at humanitarian distribution sites associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group that has faced significant criticism. The Ministry of Health has described many of these areas as “human slaughterhouses” due to the ongoing violence.
On Sunday morning, medics at al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza confirmed that Israeli gunfire claimed the lives of at least three individuals who were attempting to receive aid near a GHF site in the Netzarim Corridor. Witnesses recounted the desperate scenes, with families flocking to the aid points in search of essential food parcels. In southern Gaza, at least ten more aid seekers were killed, with over 50 reported injured, as many were transferred to the Red Cross Hospital in Rafah.
Describing the situation, Ahmed al-Masri, a local resident who left empty-handed from an aid point, referred to the gunfire as “a trap.” Reports indicate that Israeli forces have opened fire without prior warning, exacerbating civilian casualties among the crowds seeking assistance.
In addition to the fatalities at the aid sites, multiple airstrikes were carried out across southern Gaza, resulting in at least 12 additional deaths. Israeli military actions also targeted residents in Beit Lahiya and the Nuseirat refugee camp, where several casualties were reported.
As hunger levels intensify due to a devastating blockade, many Gazans risk their lives to reach dwindling food distribution points. However, the response from Israeli forces has included both sniper fire and aerial bombardments. This escalation has led to a staggering toll, with hundreds of Palestinians reported killed in recurrent mass shootings, fueling allegations that humanitarian aid is being misused as a weapon.
The GHF, which commenced its operations in Gaza in late May after a partial lifting of an extensive blockade, has faced mounting scrutiny. Despite the foundation temporarily halting operations following violent incidents, desperate individuals have continued to gather at distribution sites. Many view these locations as perilous “execution sites” due to the repeated assaults, underscoring the dire conditions under which they operate.
The Gaza Ministry of Health disclosed that at least 274 individuals have died and more than 2,000 have been injured near GHF distribution points since operations began. The Israeli military has acknowledged engaging with aid seekers but contends that it acted only when suspicious activity deviated from designated paths to distribution sites.
Israeli officials and U.S. authorities maintain that the GHF was established to replace the United Nations-operated aid network, which they claim was exploited by Hamas. They assert that the Palestinian group has diverted aid for military purposes—allegations that go unverified by credible sources. Meanwhile, international organizations, including UN agencies, have criticized the GHF’s efforts as insufficient and dangerous, questioning the efficacy of the new system in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
The ongoing conflict increasingly threatens to worsen food insecurity, with the recent escalation in violence contributing to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Nearly 55,300 Palestinians have reportedly died, primarily civilians, raising alarm over the conditions faced by a population that has already endured significant hardships amid the conflict. As the situation develops, the international community continues to call for urgent solutions to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.