1st June 2025
Reports of Over 20 Palestinians Killed at Aid Distribution Site
Witnesses reported on Sunday that Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians waiting for aid near a distribution site in Gaza.
According to the Red Cross field hospital and numerous witnesses, cited by The Associated Press, at least 21 were killed and many more injured.
Hamas stated that a total of 30 people had been killed and a dozen more injured.
“Fire was coming from all directions, from naval warships, from tanks and drones,” quoted Amr Abu Teiba, a witness in the crowd. Another witness confirmed the account.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning as people gathered to receive food. The population of the Palestinian enclave has been severely affected by a months-long Israeli blockade which has sparked international condemnation, including from some of Israel’s closest allies.
The Israeli government’s decision to allow aid into Gaza has also been criticized for its handling and chaotic management. The UN reported that the first deliveries of aid were minimal and failed to reach those in need.
An Israeli and US-backed plan to bring in the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has failed to ease concerns. The aim was to prevent aid from being diverted to Hamas—a claim the UN says is unsubstantiated—leading the GHF to hire private security contractors, similar to mercenaries, to protect the aid distribution sites.
The Foundation stated on Sunday that it distributed aid “without incident,” and dismissed what it termed “false reporting about deaths, mass injuries, and chaos.”
Local health officials have reported that prior to Sunday, six people had been killed and several more wounded by live fire at GHF distribution sites.
UN agencies have refused to collaborate with the GHF, arguing it violates humanitarian principles by giving Israel control over who receives aid.
