At least 32 Palestinians were killed on Saturday when Israeli forces opened fire near food distribution centers in southern Gaza, according to hospital authorities and eyewitnesses.
The deadly incidents took place near aid hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group supported by both the U.S. and Israel. These centers were established in May to provide food assistance, with the aim of replacing the traditional U.N.-led aid system, which both countries allege is compromised by Hamas — a claim the U.N. denies.
While GHF reports distributing millions of meals, local health officials and witnesses claim Israeli gunfire has repeatedly led to deaths near these facilities, which are located within military-controlled zones.
The Israeli military, which does not have troops directly at the sites but maintains a perimeter, confirmed it had fired warning shots near Rafah after individuals approached military personnel and ignored warnings. The army said the shooting occurred at night when the site was closed.
GHF, meanwhile, reported no incidents near its distribution centers and reiterated that it has repeatedly warned civilians not to approach during nighttime or early morning hours.
Eyewitnesses Report Heavy Gunfire
Most of Saturday’s casualties occurred about three kilometers from a GHF hub near Khan Younis. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people moved toward the area seeking food.
Mahmoud Mokeimar, who was part of the crowd, said Israeli forces fired without warning. “The occupation fired indiscriminately,” he said, adding that he saw multiple bodies and many injured people fleeing.
Another witness, Akram Aker, said troops used mounted machine guns and drones to fire on the crowd between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., describing the situation as an ambush. “They surrounded us and started shooting directly,” he said.
Sanaa al-Jaberi, who also sought food aid, said gunfire erupted after people began running toward the site. “Is this food or death? They don’t speak to us — only shoot,” she said, holding an empty bag.
According to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, 25 bodies were brought in, while seven more, including a woman, were reported killed near Rafah. The hospital also treated 70 injured individuals, most of whom suffered gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
“We lack medical supplies, and the situation is tragic,” said Dr. Mohamed Saker, head of the hospital’s nursing department, noting that some victims were treated on the floor.
Airstrikes Across Gaza
In a separate incident, two people were killed in Gaza City after an airstrike hit a tent sheltering displaced families, said Fares Awad of the Health Ministry’s emergency services.
Twelve others were killed in central Gaza by an airstrike, including a police officer and five women, relatives of the official. Two children, including an infant, also died.
Other strikes were reported in Bureij, Sheikh Radwan, and Tal al-Hawa, killing at least 10 more people. The Israeli military did not comment on specific strikes but stated it targeted around 90 locations across Gaza in the last 24 hours.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza’s humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, with over 2 million people facing extreme hardship. Scenes at GHF distribution sites are described as chaotic, with people scrambling for supplies, according to videos and accounts from witnesses.
The ongoing conflict was sparked when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Fifty remain captive, though fewer than half are believed to be alive.
Israel’s military response has since killed over 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry — a figure that includes many women and children. While the ministry is under Hamas authority, international organizations continue to rely on it for casualty figures.
Ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar, but no significant progress has been reported. At a rally in Tel Aviv, families of hostages urged leaders to finalize a deal. “It’s time to bring the hostages home and end this war,” said Efrat Machikawa, a relative of a freed hostage.
Attack on West Bank Church Condemned
In the occupied West Bank, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Taybeh village following an arson attack on the Church of St. George allegedly carried out by Israeli settlers.
Huckabee, known for his pro-Israel stance, condemned the attack. “This is a crime and an act of terror. A place of worship should never be desecrated,” he said.
Violence by Israeli settlers has surged in the West Bank since the war began, with Palestinian residents accusing Israeli forces of failing to intervene. Few perpetrators have been brought to justice, rights groups say.