Israeli forces kill 30 Palestinians near Gaza food aid distribution center in Rafah, say officials

At least 30 Palestinians were killed Sunday morning near a food aid distribution point in southern Gaza, according to local health officials. The incident occurred in the al-Mawasi area of western Rafah as hundreds of people attempted to reach the Israel-approved aid center. In addition to the fatalities, around 175 people were reported injured.

Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces opened fire near a roundabout approximately 1 kilometer from the aid site. Ibrahim Abu Saoud reported that troops fired at people moving toward the center, resulting in multiple deaths, including women. Mohammed Abu Teaima said he witnessed Israeli forces kill his cousin and another woman as they headed to the distribution point.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates the aid site with Israeli and US backing, denied that its private security contractors fired on the crowd. The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots during the incident. The aid distribution began after Israel partially lifted its blockade last week, with the GHF reporting 16 truckloads of aid delivered early Sunday without incident.

The GHF uses biometric screening to exclude individuals linked to Hamas from receiving aid, a process not endorsed by the United Nations and refused by several aid agencies. This screening system has led to reduced access for some Palestinians. The UN has described Gaza as the “hungriest place on Earth,” and reported that 300 aid trucks remain unable to offload supplies due to operational delays.

Since mid-March, Israeli forces have conducted ongoing military operations in Gaza, killing thousands of Palestinians, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 54,000 deaths since October 2023. The current offensive followed a Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and hostages taken into Gaza. Aid deliveries continue amid heavy security and restrictions.