26 killed by Israeli fire near aid centers, Gaza civil defence reports

New Gaza Food Point Casualties

G​ ​​​​​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​的 Civil Defence Agency reported 26 fatalities and over 100 injuries near two aid centers on Saturday. The deaths occurred around a site southwest of Khan Yunis and another centre northwest of Rafah, both in the south. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal attributed the casualties to “Israeli gunfire.”

Witness Accounts

• Abdul Aziz Abed (37) drove to the Al‑Tina area before dawn with five relatives to obtain food when “Israeli soldiers” started shooting. He said, “Every day I go there and all we get is bullets and exhaustion instead of food.”
• Three other witnesses also accused troops of opening fire.

Israel’s Response

The Israeli military stated it identified suspect groups that approached it during operational activity in the Rafah area, posing a threat. Soldiers called them to turn back; after non‑compliance, warning shots were fired. The incident is under review, with shots fired approximately one kilometre from the aid distribution site at night when it’s not active.

Verification Challenges

Media restrictions and inaccessibility in Gaza hinder independent verification of tolls and details from the civil defence agency and other parties. AFP is unable to confirm the reported fatalities.

Humanitarian Context

The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, has created dire conditions for over two million residents. Health officials note the physical and mental health effects of 21 months of conflict are increasingly evident. The Kuwaiti Field Hospital in Khan Yunis says most people suffer from extreme exhaustion, severe emaciation and acute malnutrition. The World Food Programme reports nearly one in three people in Gaza have not eaten for days, with thousands on the verge of catastrophic hunger.

GHF’s New Distribution Role

Following an Israeli aid blockade, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) took over aid distribution in late May. It faced criticism from the United Nations for allegedly catering to Israeli military objectives. GHF attributed 20 deaths at its Khan Yunis site to “agitators in the crowd… armed and affiliated with Hamas.” The UN recorded 875 killings in Gaza while trying to get food, including 674 near GHF sites.

Overall Casualty Figures

• Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel claimed 1,219 victims, most civilians.
• Israel’s military operation has killed 58,667 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza health ministry data.