RAFAH, June 1: At least 31 people were killed and over 170 wounded on Sunday in the Gaza Strip while attempting to reach an aid distribution point, according to Gaza health officials and multiple witnesses.
The incident occurred near the Flag Roundabout, approximately one kilometre from an aid site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is supported by Israel and the United States. Witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire on crowds approaching the site before dawn, with gunfire reportedly coming from naval ships, drones, and tanks.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and deadly scene, with many people shot in the upper body. Victims included women and children, and makeshift efforts were made to transport the wounded to medical facilities. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the death toll and said many victims were in critical condition. Israeli forces reportedly ordered the crowd to disperse before opening fire, but the Israeli military claimed it was unaware of injuries resulting from its fire and said the incident was under review. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied any violence at its site, stating it had delivered 16 truckloads of aid “without incident.”
This incident adds to growing concerns surrounding the new aid distribution system, which critics say has been marked by chaos and violence. The UN and major aid groups have refused to participate, arguing the system violates humanitarian principles by forcing civilians to move through military zones under Israeli control. They warn this structure fosters “engineered scarcity” and increases the risk of displacement.
Since its launch, the new aid mechanism has been plagued with problems. Before Sunday, at least six people were reportedly killed and over 50 wounded in similar incidents. Israel has acknowledged firing warning shots at crowds near aid sites in the past but denies targeting civilians directly.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen amid ongoing conflict. Israel’s war effort, launched in response to the Hamas-led October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, has resulted in over 54,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the local health ministry. The UN warns that the territory, with 90% of its population displaced, faces a risk of famine.
Ceasefire negotiations appear stalled after Hamas sought changes to a U.S.-backed proposal. Meanwhile, Israel reported killing a militant commander responsible for a deadly attack on Israeli soldiers earlier in the war. (AP)
