At Least 60 Killed in Gaza as Israeli Strikes Hit Civilians Near Aid Sites
Gaza Strip — Israeli air strikes and gunfire killed at least 60 Palestinians on Wednesday, many of them near aid distribution points operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to local medical officials.
Hospitals in Gaza City reported that at least 25 people died and dozens were injured as they approached a food distribution site near the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim. The Israeli military (IDF) stated that troops fired warning shots at individuals they deemed a threat in an active combat zone.
“The IDF is reviewing the incident and is aware of reports of injuries,” a military spokesperson said.
Later the same day, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed that Israeli gunfire killed at least 14 more people near another GHF aid site in Rafah, southern Gaza.
The GHF, which has distributed over 16 million meals since launching in late May, said it was unaware of the specific incidents but is working with Israeli forces to maintain safe corridors. “The solution lies in delivering more aid to reduce desperation and crowding,” a GHF spokesperson said via email.
The United Nations has condemned the killings and refuses to cooperate with the GHF, citing the use of private contractors and Israeli military escorts as violations of humanitarian standards.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, 163 Palestinians have died and over 1,000 have been injured since May while trying to access humanitarian aid.
Elsewhere in Gaza on Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 11 additional civilians across the coastal territory.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that progress had been made in negotiations to release hostages held in Gaza but added it was “too early” to confirm a deal. Hamas sources have denied knowledge of any breakthrough.
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