Dozens Killed Near Gaza Food Aid Sites Amid Conflicting Accounts

At least 32 Palestinians were killed on Saturday near food distribution centers in southern Gaza, according to witnesses and hospital officials. The deaths occurred as crowds gathered near sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group supported by the United States and Israel. The GHF began distributing aid in late May, with the aim of providing food to Palestinians amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Witnesses reported that Israeli troops opened fire as people approached the aid hubs, with most fatalities occurring in the Teina area, several kilometers from a GHF center east of Khan Younis. Mahmoud Mokeimar, an eyewitness, said, "It was a massacre … the occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately," describing scenes of casualties and wounded fleeing the area. Another witness, Akram Aker, stated that troops used machine guns mounted on tanks and drones, and that the shooting took place early in the morning.

The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots near Rafah after a group of suspects approached troops and ignored calls to keep their distance, adding that the incident occurred overnight when the distribution site was closed. The army said it was investigating reports of casualties.

The GHF, which employs private armed guards, stated there were no deadly shootings at its sites and that reported shootings occurred far from its centers and before they opened. The group also said it had warned people not to approach the sites overnight or in the early morning.

Local hospitals reported receiving dozens of casualties. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received 25 bodies and many wounded, while seven more people were reported killed near Rafah. Dr. Mohamed Saker, head of Nasser's nursing department, said most casualties had gunshot wounds to the head and chest, and the hospital was struggling with a lack of medical supplies.

Elsewhere, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, according to health officials. The Israeli military said it had struck about 90 targets across Gaza in the past day, targeting militants and infrastructure.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with more than 2 million residents facing severe food shortages and the territory on the brink of famine. Aid distribution has often been chaotic, with videos showing contractors using tear gas and stun grenades to control crowds. The ongoing conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, leading to a prolonged Israeli military campaign that has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Ceasefire talks continue in Qatar, but no breakthroughs have been reported.