Local health officials reported that Israeli forces killed six Palestinians near an aid distribution center in western Rafah, southern Gaza, on Saturday night. This marks the fourth deadly incident near aid points within a week. According to Marwan Al-Hams, director of field hospitals for the Palestinian Health Ministry, the victims were gathered in hopes of receiving aid when the shooting occurred. None of the deceased has been identified so far.
The World Health Organization considers the Palestinian Health Ministry’s casualty data reliable, though NBC News has not independently confirmed the figures.
IDF Claims Defensive Warning Shots Amid Rising Violence Near Gaza Aid Distribution Sites
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident but framed it as troops firing “warning shots” at several “suspects” near the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp. The IDF stated that the suspects approached soldiers despite prior warnings that the area was an active combat zone at night, which allegedly posed a threat to the troops. However, the IDF did not specify the nature of the threat or accept responsibility for the deaths. They mentioned awareness of casualty reports, but maintained that the use of warning fire was a defensive measure.

This latest event follows a troubling pattern of violence near aid distribution sites in Gaza. On the previous Sunday, more than 30 people were killed in Rafah, with hundreds injured, while waiting for aid. Witnesses told NBC News they came under both air and ground fire at the site. An Israeli military official dismissed casualty reports at that location as false, stating troops only fired warning shots at “suspects” half a mile away.
Repeated Deadly Shootings Near Gaza Aid Centers Highlight Growing Humanitarian Safety Concerns
The violence near aid centers continued over consecutive days. On Monday, Israeli forces reportedly killed three Palestinians and injured dozens at a food distribution site in Rafah. The following day, at least 27 more people were killed after Israeli troops fired near another aid distribution point. More than 160 others were wounded, including a young child. Videos from NBC News showed victims being rushed to a hospital in Khan Younis, emphasizing the severe humanitarian impact.
Throughout these incidents, the IDF has maintained that their troops acted defensively, firing warning shots at individuals they believed threatened their forces near aid distribution points. While they acknowledge casualty reports and state they are investigating, they have not clarified what specific threats justified the use of lethal force. The pattern of deadly confrontations near aid centers raises urgent questions about the safety of civilians seeking humanitarian assistance amid ongoing conflict.