Gaza Strip – At least 120 Palestinians have been killed—and nearly 1,500 injured—in gunfire and air strikes near humanitarian aid distribution points in Gaza over the past week, according to Gaza health officials and multiple eyewitness accounts.
Key incidents include:
- 10–12 June: Israeli gunfire and drone strikes on crowds near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid point at Netzarim checkpoint killed 41 Palestinians, with most casualties occurring near the distribution site.
- 9 June, Rafah: At least 14 people were shot and killed near a GHF food centre in Rafah, with hundreds more wounded.
- 1 June, Rafah: Around 31 Palestinians were killed and 170 injured as they moved towards Israeli-sanctioned aid sites. The IDF claimed it had fired only warning shots; witnesses reported heavier gunfire.
- June total: Combined incidents have left at least 120 Palestinians dead, with some 1,495 wounded during aid‑related operations since late May.
Background & broader impact:
- The GHF, backed by Israel and the US, has taken over aid distribution since late May amid widespread famine threats.
- UN and humanitarian agencies have sharply criticized this model, stating it jeopardizes neutrality and exposes civilians to harm.
- The UN has described Gaza’s situation as “near famine”; hospitals are overwhelmed, and communications remain disrupted.
Official responses:
- The Israeli military has said its forces fired only warning shots directed at perceived threats, and it is reviewing the incidents.
- The GHF disputes claims of chaos or gunfire at sites, saying its distribution went ahead smoothly.
- UN officials, including the European Union’s humanitarian chief, have criticised the model, calling it unsafe and urging action to protect civilians.
Photo Credit: Reuters
