At least 27 Palestinians were killed and over 90 injured early Tuesday after Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution point in Rafah, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

The deadly incident unfolded at the Flag Roundabout, close to a controversial aid hub operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It marks the third consecutive day of deadly violence at or near aid sites in southern Gaza, where desperation, hunger, and chaos continue to collide.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and indiscriminate, with Israeli quadcopters reportedly firing into crowds of civilians scrambling for scarce food supplies. The latest round of violence pushes the death toll near GHF-operated aid centres past 100, just days after the group began its operations—reportedly with U.S. and Israeli backing—following the collapse of traditional UN-led aid delivery in the region.

‘No Aid, Just Gunfire’

“We heard gunfire from all directions,” said Rasha al-Nahal, one of the survivors who reached the site only to find no food and more bullets. “When we turned back, they fired at us again.”

Another survivor, Neima al-Aaraj, from Khan Younis, described the scene as “indiscriminate shooting.” She added, “I won’t return. Either way, we will die.”

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 184 wounded were rushed to its field hospital in Rafah. Nineteen were dead on arrival, and eight more later died from their wounds.

Israeli Response: Warning Shots or Escalation?

The Israeli military, via Telegram, claimed its troops had fired only after “a number of suspects” veered off the designated aid route and ignored calls to retreat. It insists that only “warning shots” and “targeted fire” were used.

However, this official account has drawn intense criticism and skepticism from local health authorities, aid workers, and international observers—especially in light of similar deadly incidents on Sunday and Monday, where a combined 34 aid seekers were killed.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens

Tuesday’s deaths bring the reported number of Palestinians killed near GHF sites in Rafah and the Netzarim Corridor to 102, with nearly 500 wounded since May 27.

The Gaza Government Media Office condemned the events as a “deliberate and systematic massacre,” accusing Israel of luring civilians to aid sites under false pretenses, only to open fire.

“There’s no structure, no order, no real aid system,” reported Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary from central Gaza. “People run for food—then get shot.”

Doctors confirmed that most of the wounded suffered gunshot injuries to the chest and head, reinforcing claims that live fire was used against unarmed civilians.

Global Silence, Local Tragedy

The tragedy underscores the growing humanitarian collapse in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli military operations, deteriorating living conditions, and the breakdown of coordinated aid efforts.

With Israel denying responsibility, no independent investigation has yet been launched—despite the mounting death toll and international outrage.

As one resident put it simply: “We came for food. We found death.”


By WafricNews Desk.