At Least 8 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Shooting Near Aid Distribution Sites
A violent incident in the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of at least eight Palestinians and left dozens wounded near food distribution centers supported by both Israeli and U.S. authorities. Health officials reported that the shooting occurred near dawn as desperate residents converged on aid sites in the southern city of Rafah.
Crowds Under Fire at Aid Points
Eyewitnesses described how Israeli forces opened fire on incoming crowds gathered at the distribution centers. One local observer, Ahmed al‑Masri, recalled returning from one location to find severe casualties and said, “There were wounded, dead, and martyrs. It’s a trap.” Another resident, Umm Hosni al‑Najjar, explained that shortly after arriving at the aid site around 4:30 a.m., the shooting erupted, leaving many injured and making it impossible for bystanders to assist those in need.
Blockade and Famine Fears Fuel Desperation
For nearly three months, Gaza’s residents have endured an ongoing military operation combined with a strict blockade that has severely restricted the flow of food and resources. With the territory on the brink of famine and most families reliant on international aid for survival, the new aid system—operated by a U.S.-backed local foundation—was intended as an alternative to the U.N.-run effort. However, frequent incidents of violence near these distribution points have raised grave concerns.
Repeated Violence and Chaotic Conditions
Since the distribution points opened last month, there have been nearly daily shootings in the vicinity. While the Israeli military has at times claimed it only fired warning shots at those approaching its positions, witnesses and health officials report that the area has become a deadly gauntlet. Hospitals in nearby Khan Younis have already received several bodies, and Gaza’s Health Ministry noted that 65 fatalities from Israeli strikes or gunfire had been admitted within a 24‐hour period.
Controversy Over Aid Distribution
The new system, managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, was introduced amid claims by Israel and the United States that Hamas had diverted U.N. aid. U.N. officials, on the other hand, argue that the alternative system fails to meet Gaza’s needs, allows for undue external control, and risks further mass displacement as people crowd closer to the distribution centers. The foundation maintains that there has been no violence directly at its designated points and advises residents to use specific routes after temporarily pausing deliveries in order to review security measures with the military.
Context Within a Long-Standing Conflict
The current shooting is part of a broader and protracted conflict that ignited more than 20 months ago. Following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel—which claimed around 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages—the region has been engulfed in continuous violence. Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 55,300 Palestinians, while Israel asserts it has neutralized thousands of militants. The sustained offensive has not only decimated large parts of Gaza but has also displaced nearly 90% of its residents.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Amid the chaos, aid deliveries continue under challenging conditions. Israel’s military coordination unit has noted that hundreds of trucks carrying assistance entered Gaza during the latest ceasefire, yet the overall humanitarian situation remains dire. One distressed resident in Gaza City lamented that providing even the simplest necessities has become a matter of life and death.
By Mohammad Jahjouh and Samy Magdy
Updated 4:23 PM UTC, June 15, 2025
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