Eyewitnesses and rescue personnel report that Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 51 Palestinians and numerous injuries.
According to the Hamas-run civil defense agency, Israeli troops engaged crowds near the aid site in Khan Younis, leaving over 200 people injured. The Israeli military has confirmed to the BBC that they are investigating these reports.
This incident represents the latest, and potentially deadliest, in a series of near-daily shootings occurring around aid distribution sites in Gaza. Casualties in recent days have predominantly stemmed from these incidents, rather than direct Israeli strikes on Hamas targets.
Witnesses describe Israeli forces opening fire and shelling an area east of Khan Younis, where thousands of Palestinians had gathered to receive flour from a World Food Programme (WFP) site, which also includes a community kitchen. Accounts indicate Israeli drones launched two missiles, followed by tank fire from approximately 400-500 meters away, causing significant casualties.
The crowd had assembled near a main road leading to Bani Suheila, a region experiencing prolonged Israeli military operations. Nasser Hospital, the area’s primary functioning medical facility, has been overwhelmed, with injured individuals receiving treatment on the floor due to overcrowding.
BBC Verify has confirmed video footage circulating on social media, showing the immediate aftermath of the incident in Khan Younis. Gaza’s civil defense agency spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, reported at least 50 fatalities to AFP, attributing them to drone strikes followed by tank shelling.
The IDF stated that a gathering was observed near a stalled aid distribution truck in Khan Younis, close to operating troops. They acknowledged reports of injuries resulting from IDF fire after the crowd approached, adding that the incident is under review.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of a mass casualty event. Thanos Gargavanis, WHO trauma surgeon and emergency officer, highlighted the recurring correlation between food distribution sites and mass casualty incidents, noting that recent trauma injuries are primarily gunshot wounds.
For weeks, medical staff at Nasser Hospital have warned of capacity limitations due to ongoing casualties, limited supplies, and Israeli evacuation orders. The hospital has faced a near-daily influx of casualties from shootings near aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the US.
While witnesses consistently report Israeli troops opening fire in these incidents, there are also reports of local armed gunmen firing on civilians. The IDF typically responds by stating that warnings were given, and shots fired only when “suspects” posed a perceived threat, offering little further detail.
Restrictions on international media access to Gaza, including the BBC, hinder independent verification of events. The GHF has distanced itself from these incidents, claiming they occur away from their distribution points.
However, the current distribution system undeniably contributes to large gatherings of desperate Palestinians seeking food. The IDF has imposed curfews on aid distribution site access, but this leaves civilians with limited options for obtaining food.
Verified video from GHF sites shows massive crowds rushing for aid with minimal organizational control. The GHF has temporarily closed sites on several occasions to improve security. Similar shooting incidents occur with aid convoys as well.
This situation reflects a breakdown in Gaza’s security and aid distribution systems. Hamas has characterized the aid centers as death traps. Looting exacerbates the situation, with criminal gangs, militias, and Hamas operating within the chaos.
Critics argue that the GHF facilitates an Israeli government plan to displace Palestinians southward. Israel, aiming to reduce UN humanitarian influence, contends that the alternative system is necessary to prevent aid theft by Hamas.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk accused Israel of weaponizing food and called for a full investigation. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, noted the ongoing tragedies in Gaza while global attention shifts elsewhere.
Currently, there’s no apparent plan from Israel, the GHF, or the international community to prevent the near-daily killings of Palestinians seeking essential food supplies.
It has been 20 months since Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas cross-border attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 55,297 deaths since then.
Limited information is available due to a prolonged internet outage in Gaza. BBC Verify geolocated video footage to a GHF distribution site west of Rafah, allegedly filmed on Tuesday, showing Palestinians scrambling for aid.
A UN official’s comments coincide with international aid delivery discussions. Onboard footage from the Madleen aid vessel shows activists discarding technology and surrendering.