In brief
At least 32 Palestinians have been reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire while seeking aid near distribution points in southern Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces stated the shooting was part of their efforts to prevent potential threats. Eyewitness accounts claim the gunfire was aimed to kill, contributing to ongoing tensions regarding humanitarian aid distribution in the region.
At least 32 Palestinians seeking food have been killed by Israeli gunfire near two aid distribution points close to Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The violence also left dozens injured near the two sites operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF claimed no incidents occurred "at or near" their facilities, although they acknowledged "Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activity" hours before their sites were set to open.One eyewitness reported that the Israeli gunfire seemed explicitly aimed at lethal outcomes. Mohammed Al-Khalidi, who was present during the shooting, criticized the Israeli army for their conduct, asserting that their intention was to kill rather than to disperse the crowd. This tragic event comes amidst a backdrop of increasing violence; the GHF's operations have witnessed a surge of Palestinians being killed while seeking assistance since its inception in late May. The GHF utilizes private security contractors to manage aid distribution within areas designated as Israeli military zones. Israel and the US maintain that this system prevents Hamas from misappropriating aid, a claim the UN contests, arguing that the methodology is unethical and lacks substantiated evidence of organized theft.The UN reported that it had recorded 674 killings in the vicinity of GHF sites over the past six weeks and indicated that another 201 had occurred along routes used by UN and other humanitarian convoys. The GHF disputed these figures, branding them as misleading.Israel's blockade on international media entering Gaza has stalled independent reporting, complicating the situation further. As humanitarian needs escalate, there is a dire increase in malnutrition among children, reported to have doubled since restrictions were imposed in March. Despite the establishment of the GHF, significant aid, including essential items like baby formula, remains blocked at border crossings.On Friday, a field hospital director noted a stark rise in patients suffering from severe exhaustion and malnutrition. Currently, 69 children have succumbed to malnourishment according to the media office of the Hamas government. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has indicated potential progress towards a ceasefire deal, yet talks remain stalled following Hamas's rejection of the latest troop withdrawal map proposed by Israel.
