For the third consecutive day, Palestinians approaching an aid distribution site in southern Gaza have come under fire, resulting in nearly 30 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and Nasser hospital. The incident occurred early Tuesday in Tel al-Sultan, Rafah, where Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on civilians attempting to access humanitarian aid.
Israeli military officials stated that warning shots were fired after individuals deviated from designated access routes, and further shots were directed near those who continued to approach.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Civilians Shot Seeking Aid, UN Demands Urgent Investigations
At least 27 Palestinians were killed in Tuesday’s incident, with dozens more injured. Videos and reports from Nasser hospital in Khan Younis showed stretchers arriving rapidly, overwhelming the facility. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, head of Gaza’s field hospitals, stated that ICU beds are only made available when a patient dies. He confirmed that most injuries were from gunfire, particularly to the upper body, and urged immediate blood donations due to the influx of casualties.
Third Deadly Day of Gaza Aid Site Violence Sparks Global Condemnation and Demands for JusticeLocal residents have accused the Israeli military of using the aid distribution effort as a pretext to attack civilians. Nawal Al-Masri, whose son was shot while trying to get food, called the site a “trap,” expressing outrage over children being injured while seeking basic necessities.
The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, condemned the attacks as “unconscionable,” calling for prompt, impartial investigations and holding perpetrators accountable. He emphasized the dire situation for Palestinians, who are forced to choose between starvation and risking death to access aid.
Escalating Violence Near Gaza Aid Sites Fuels Global Outcry and Demands for Accountability
The gunfire occurred near the Al-Alam roundabout, a site of repeated violence in recent days. A diplomat monitoring Gaza said Israeli forces viewed the crowd as an “imminent threat.” The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial U.S.- and Israel-backed group, stated that their secured site operated safely and denied responsibility for violence beyond their controlled perimeter.
While Israel’s deputy foreign minister defended the aid distribution effort, calling it a way to bypass Hamas, the continuous bloodshed has sparked growing international criticism.
This latest attack marks the third in as many days near the GHF distribution site. On Monday, three Palestinians were killed, and on Sunday, Palestinian authorities reported 31 deaths. Israeli forces have claimed they did not fire within or near the aid site itself, although they acknowledged opening fire about a kilometer away in one case.
These events unfold amid an 11-week blockade of Gaza, contributing to worsening famine conditions and intensifying desperation among civilians seeking food. The repeated violence has escalated calls for accountability and immediate changes to aid delivery mechanisms.