PALESTINIANS KILLED DURING AID DISTRIBUTION IN SOUTH GAZA
A tragic incident unfolded in southern Gaza as dozens of Palestinians were killed and injured while attempting to collect humanitarian aid in the city of Rafah. The deadly episode occurred on Monday, as hundreds of civilians gathered at a designated distribution point amid an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. Eyewitnesses and local health authorities report that the crowd was hit by Israeli gunfire and shelling, though the Israeli military has offered conflicting accounts.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 28 people were killed and more than 60 others wounded during the chaotic scene near the Kuwait Roundabout in southern Rafah. The victims were among a large crowd of desperate residents who had assembled in the early morning hours, hoping to receive flour, water, and other basic necessities.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as gunfire suddenly erupted. “We were waiting peacefully,” said Ahmed Abu Sufyan, a survivor. “Then we heard tanks moving, and within seconds, there were explosions and shooting. People started running and screaming, some fell right in front of me.”
Medical workers say most of the victims had gunshot wounds or shrapnel injuries. Videos circulated on social media showed bloodied bodies scattered on the ground as survivors attempted to carry the wounded to safety using carts, motorbikes, or even their bare hands.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a brief statement, acknowledged its troops were operating in the area but denied deliberately targeting civilians. The military claimed it had engaged “armed suspects” near the crowd and was investigating whether any civilians were caught in the crossfire. A full inquiry, the IDF said, would be conducted to determine responsibility.
However, Palestinian officials and human rights groups have condemned the incident as another example of Israel’s alleged disregard for civilian lives in Gaza. Hamas, the group that governs Gaza, accused Israel of a “massacre” and called for international accountability. “Targeting civilians who are simply trying to survive is a war crime,” said a statement from the Hamas-run government.
The United Nations and several humanitarian organizations have expressed grave concern over the attack. “This tragedy highlights the desperate conditions civilians are facing and the dangers even humanitarian aid efforts now entail,” said a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Rafah, already overcrowded with more than a million displaced Palestinians, has been under heavy bombardment for weeks as Israeli forces continue military operations in southern Gaza. Access to food, water, medical supplies, and shelter remains critically limited, and international aid convoys have struggled to reach civilians due to ongoing airstrikes, ground incursions, and security restrictions.
Monday’s incident adds to the rising death toll in Gaza, where more than 36,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign, launched after the deadly October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
Calls for an immediate ceasefire have intensified as the humanitarian situation deteriorates further. Global leaders are urging both sides to halt hostilities and ensure safe, consistent delivery of aid. For the people of Gaza, however, each new day brings new tragedy—and the hope of relief continues to fade.