At least 30 Palestinians were killed, and more than 115 others injured after Israeli forces opened fire on crowds near a humanitarian aid site in Rafah, southern Gaza. The attack occurred early on Sunday morning, as thousands gathered near the site hoping to receive essential food aid.
The incident has sparked outrage, with reports indicating that Israeli tanks fired on the gathering of Palestinians. A local Palestinian journalist reported the tragedy, stating that the bodies of the deceased were carried away on donkey carts due to the lack of transportation resources. The overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbating such incidents, with hospitals struggling to treat the influx of casualties.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 179 people were injured, many with critical wounds, and emergency rooms in hospitals like Nasser Medical Complex are currently overwhelmed with patients. The escalation of violence comes in the wake of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with a fragile ceasefire proposal still under discussion.
Hamas Condemns Israel for Targeting Civilians at Aid Sites
Hamas has vehemently condemned the Israeli forces for what it called a “massacre” of innocent civilians. In a statement, the group claimed that the Israeli attack was a deliberate attempt to target people at humanitarian aid sites, which they argue have become “death traps” under Israeli control. The Palestinian group also criticised the international community’s response, claiming the United States and Israel are jointly responsible for the deaths of civilians.
The attack came just hours after Hamas responded to a ceasefire proposal, which it had described as “positive.” However, the US dismissed Hamas’s response, calling it “unacceptable.” As part of its demands for peace, Hamas emphasised the need for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Gaza’s Health System Faces Collapse as Aid Is Withheld
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that hospitals were overwhelmed by the casualties and warned of an impending collapse of the healthcare system. Medical staff in Gaza are running out of critical supplies and facing extreme shortages of essential medicines and equipment. Local hospitals are operating in a state of emergency, with many patients being forced to wait in overcrowded conditions.
Earlier reports from the Nasser Medical Complex confirmed that more than 80 individuals were injured, with at least 26 confirmed dead. The health ministry continues to call for international intervention to prevent further loss of life.
The Gaza Humanitarian Relief Foundation’s Role Under Scrutiny
The aid distribution site, which was run by the Gaza Humanitarian Relief Foundation (GHF), has been under scrutiny due to its controversial management of aid in Gaza. The GHF, supported by the US and Israel, has faced accusations of violating humanitarian principles. The foundation operates without proper screening of recipients, unlike traditional UN aid operations, which carefully check identification to ensure food reaches the most vulnerable.
The GHF has denied the reports of fatalities and chaos at the aid site, calling the claims “fabricated.” According to their statement, the aid distribution went “without incident” and they provided millions of meals to Palestinians in Gaza, including food shipments on the day of the attack. However, Palestinian sources contradict these claims, reporting a deadly escalation at multiple aid sites in the region, particularly in Rafah.
International Criticism Grows Over Aid Distribution Practices
Aid distribution, particularly from US-backed organisations, has faced heavy criticism from the international community. United Nations agencies have warned that the GHF’s approach to aid distribution violates key humanitarian principles, such as non-discrimination and impartiality.
Many aid workers on the ground report chaotic scenes at distribution points, with crowds of hungry Palestinians clashing with security forces over the meager food supplies being offered. In many cases, these confrontations have turned deadly, as Israeli forces have fired on civilians who were waiting for food parcels. Some of the food deliveries consist of small parcels that are insufficient to meet the basic needs of entire families.
The latest attack in Rafah has reignited concerns over the safety of aid centers and the increasing militarisation of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. With Israeli forces still occupying key areas, the distribution process remains highly volatile, and several aid workers have called for a change in how aid is managed to avoid further casualties.
The Collapsing Humanitarian Situation and Continued Violence
The situation in Gaza continues to worsen as Israel maintains its blockade on the region. The continued closure of humanitarian crossings for nearly three months has led to widespread shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Despite efforts by organisations like the GHF to provide aid, the scale of the crisis means that only a fraction of Gaza’s population is being reached.
In Gaza, civilians continue to face unimaginable hardships, with many being forced to go without basic necessities while under constant threat of violence. International bodies such as the UN have urged Israel to lift the blockade and allow unfettered access for humanitarian aid to reach the suffering population.
Calls for Independent Investigation into Israeli Actions
The Government Media Office in Gaza has strongly condemned the Israeli military for its actions, calling the recent massacre part of a broader strategy to starve the population into submission. They demanded the United Nations take immediate action and hold both Israel and the US accountable for the ongoing humanitarian violations.
Doctors and medical staff in Gaza have echoed these calls, warning that the collapse of the healthcare system will lead to even greater suffering. According to Dr. Adi Dabour, head of a Gaza medical relief team, the ongoing Israeli bombardment and the continued blockade have left medical facilities struggling to cope with the overwhelming numbers of casualties.
The Need for Immediate Action
With the death toll in Gaza rising and the healthcare system facing imminent collapse, international calls for a comprehensive ceasefire and greater humanitarian access have intensified. The continued violence and restrictions on aid are pushing Gaza’s civilian population to the brink, and many fear that without significant intervention, the situation will only worsen.
As the conflict continues, the international community faces increasing pressure to intervene and prevent further loss of life. In Gaza, it is becoming clear that without immediate and decisive action, the lives of thousands of innocent civilians remain at risk.
