Six Palestinians Killed Amidst Tensions Near Gaza Aid Distribution Site

Six Palestinians were killed and multiple others injured due to Israeli gunfire near a humanitarian aid site in southern Gaza, as the ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Six Palestinians have been reported killed and several others wounded by Israeli fire during a gathering to collect food supplies at an aid distribution centre in southern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. Witnesses indicated that the shooting began as people attempted to move closer to the area. Meanwhile, Israeli military officials asserted that warning shots were fired at individuals they perceived as threats.

This incident is the latest in a series of tragic events, with dozens of Palestinians losing their lives and hundreds sustaining injuries in recent days as they attempted to reach the distribution center. In response to safety concerns and overcrowding, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), responsible for the aid operations and backed by the US and Israel, announced a temporary halt to its work.

Individuals converge daily at a site bordering an Israeli military zone, which presents a perilous route to access aid. In a communication, the Israel Defense Forces warned that the area is considered an active combat zone during nighttime hours. The GHF reported that on the day of the shootings, they could not distribute food due to supposed threats from Hamas — a claim the organization officially denied.

The latest fatalities come amid heightened criticism of the new aid distribution model, deemed inadequate by the United Nations for addressing the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Civil Defence agency, claimed that at least 15 additional Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes targeting a residential structure in Gaza City, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that others remained trapped under debris. The Israeli military confirmed that the strikes were aimed at a leader of the Mujahideen Brigades, a militant group it accuses of involvement in the recent violence.

The situation has drawn increased scrutiny internationally, especially as Israel recently altered its aid approach, limiting support to four GHF-operated centers and criticizing the United Nations for its aid distribution practices. Humanitarian groups have condemned the new model, emphasizing that it jeopardizes lives and fails to provide essential food and medicine. Amid ongoing conflict, over 54,677 Palestinians are estimated to have died since the onset of this military operation, which was launched over a year and a half ago in response to an attack led by Hamas.