(Scypre.com) – At least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 170 wounded on Sunday when Israeli forces allegedly opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and multiple eyewitnesses. The incident occurred approximately one kilometer from a site operated by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has faced criticism for its controversial aid delivery model.
Witnesses reported that Israeli naval, tank, and drone units fired upon a large crowd awaiting early morning food deliveries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they are “currently unaware of injuries caused by IDF fire within the humanitarian aid distribution site” and are reviewing the incident.
The GHF, established as an alternative to UN-led aid efforts, has been criticized for requiring Palestinians to travel long distances to centralized aid points secured by private U.S. contractors and Israeli forces. Critics, including the UN and Doctors Without Borders, have condemned the program as dangerous and ineffective, accusing it of facilitating forced displacement.
Medical teams, including international personnel, reported numerous gunshot injuries among the victims, with hospitals overwhelmed and struggling to provide adequate care due to limited resources. The UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, described the situation as a “death trap,” emphasizing the urgent need for safe and effective aid distribution mechanisms.
This incident further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed and 124,000 injured since the conflict escalated in October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The region’s health system is collapsing under pressure, with limited medical resources and a rising number of fatalities, including 28 aid workers since May 2025.
Ceasefire negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have stalled, with Hamas demanding a full Israeli withdrawal—terms rejected by Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen under a blockade that has left the area on the brink of famine.
International reactions have been swift, with various governments and organizations condemning the attack and calling for immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. The incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective approach to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.