At least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 170 others were wounded in the early hours of Sunday while heading to a food distribution site in southern Gaza, according to local health officials and multiple eyewitnesses. The casualties occurred approximately one kilometre from an Israeli-approved humanitarian aid site that is part of a new system run by a foundation backed by Israel and the United States.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos and Gunfire

According to numerous survivors, Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd as they approached the distribution site, despite people having followed orders to wait. Amr Abu Teiba, one of the survivors, recounted, “There was fire from all directions, from naval warships, from tanks and drones.”

Eyewitnesses said that the incident took place at the Flag Roundabout, roughly 1 km from the aid distribution centre, around 3 a.m. local time. The victims, many of whom were women and children, were allegedly fired upon despite not yet having reached the distribution point.

Dr. Marwan al-Hams, a health official at Nasser Hospital, said, “Most people were shot in the upper part of their bodies, including the head, neck and chest.” He noted that 24 people were being treated in intensive care, and another surgeon, Dr. Khaled al-Ser, confirmed the arrival of 150 wounded along with 28 bodies.

Israel Denies Firing at Civilians

In a brief statement, the Israeli military denied that its forces had fired on civilians either near or inside the aid site, citing an initial inquiry. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which manages the site, also issued a statement saying it had distributed 16 truckloads of aid “without incident” and described reports of shootings and mass injuries as “false reporting.”

However, independent media and international agencies do not have access to these Israeli-controlled military zones, making independent verification of either account extremely difficult.

The foundation has denied previous witness accounts of shootings and chaos. Although it uses private security contractors, it says they have not fired on crowds. Israel has, however, acknowledged firing warning shots in past instances around such sites.

Rising Death Toll and Widespread Grief

Before Sunday’s deadly incident, 17 people had already been reported killed while trying to reach aid sites operated by the same foundation, according to Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Health Ministry’s records.

Sunday's attack has further deepened public despair. “This is sinful, enough with the humiliation. They humiliated us for the sake of food,” said Ilham Jarghon, as mourners prayed over the dead.

Another witness, Mohammed Abu Teaima, 33, said Israeli forces shot his cousin and a woman. His cousin was fatally shot in the chest, and his brother-in-law was among the wounded.

UN Condemns ‘Death Trap’ Aid Distribution

In a strongly worded statement, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), condemned the new aid system, stating, “Aid distribution has become a death trap.”

The UN and major humanitarian groups have refused to cooperate with the new system, saying it violates international humanitarian principles. The process requires people to relocate to Israeli-designated sites, often placing them at further risk amid ongoing military operations.

Jonathan Whittall, interim head in Gaza for the UN humanitarian office, said, “It’s essentially engineered scarcity,” accusing the new system of manipulating the availability of aid to control and displace the population.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsening

The UN has warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine. The Israeli blockade, now approaching its ninth month, has severely restricted the flow of essential supplies. Looting, lack of security, and the collapse of basic services have further hampered aid efforts.

Over 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault into southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

The Israeli retaliation has resulted in the destruction of vast areas of Gaza, with about 90% of the population displaced and almost total dependency on humanitarian aid.

Ceasefire Talks at a Standstill

In the latest diplomatic developments, Hamas rejected parts of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal, even after Israel had reportedly accepted the terms. A U.S. envoy dismissed Hamas’ amendment requests as “unacceptable,” dampening hopes for an imminent ceasefire.

President Joe Biden’s administration has continued to support the Israeli military operation while urging for increased aid access. Meanwhile, international outrage over the humanitarian situation continues to grow, with calls for a permanent ceasefire gaining momentum.

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