59 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Aid, Airstrikes \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ At least 59 Palestinians were killed Saturday, including 31 en route to a food aid site, and 28 more in Israeli airstrikes, according to Palestinian health officials. The deaths follow stalled ceasefire talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Palestinian-American was also killed in the West Bank.
Quick Looks
- 31 Palestinians shot near Gaza aid site, officials say
- Israeli airstrikes kill at least 28, including four children
- Trump-Netanyahu ceasefire talks fail to yield progress
- Witnesses report tank fire as Palestinians approached aid zone
- GHF denies incident near its distribution points
- UN warns of famine; aid access remains restricted
- Fuel enters Gaza for first time in 130 days
- Hamas killed 1,200 in Oct. 7 attack, holds hostages
- Israel’s response has killed over 57,800, mostly civilians
- Palestinian-American killed by settlers in West Bank
Deep Look
Aid Site Shootings and Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Stall
At least 59 Palestinians were killed Saturday across the Gaza Strip amid reports of Israeli gunfire targeting civilians approaching a food aid distribution site, and continued airstrikes in central and southern Gaza, according to Palestinian hospital officials and eyewitnesses. The violence comes after ceasefire discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended with no breakthrough.
The largest single loss of life occurred near Rafah, where 31 Palestinians were reportedly fatally shot while walking toward a food distribution point managed by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Witnesses and medical officials say the victims were unarmed civilians seeking aid in an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported its busiest day in over a year, saying most of the more than 100 wounded had gunshot injuries. The Red Cross described the volume and intensity of casualties as “alarming.”
Eyewitnesses Say Israeli Forces Fired Without Warning
Witness Abdullah al-Haddad, who sustained a leg wound, said an Israeli tank opened fire as people approached the aid site. “We were together, and they shot us at once,” he recounted from his hospital bed.
Mohammed Jamal al-Sahloo, another survivor, said they were directed to the site by the Israeli military, only to come under fire. Hospital officials confirmed the death of 17-year-old Nasir al-Sha’er, who had told his mother he would bring flour for the family “even if I die.”
Until Saturday, his mother said she had refused to let him approach the GHF food sites because she feared it was too dangerous.
The Israeli military claimed it fired only “warning shots” at individuals acting suspiciously but stated it was unaware of any casualties. The GHF has denied that any violence occurred near its site, despite conflicting witness reports and hospital data.
Two GHF contractors, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, alleged that colleagues at the foundation had used live ammunition and stun grenades during food distributions. The GHF rejected those claims.
Israeli Airstrikes Continue Across Gaza
Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 more Palestinians, including four children, officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and Nasser Hospital confirmed. Thirteen were killed in Deir al-Balah and 15 in Khan Younis. Heavy bombing was also reported in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza late Saturday.
The airstrikes came as part of Israel’s ongoing response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. At least 50 hostages remain in captivity, with 20 believed to still be alive.
Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas’ government, reports that more than 57,800 Palestinians have died in Israel’s offensive—over half of them women and children. The figures, while not distinguishing between civilians and combatants, are considered credible by the U.N. and international organizations.
Hunger Deepens as Aid Blocked, Fuel Trickles In
The worsening humanitarian situation continues to raise alarm. The UN and aid organizations say famine is looming, with more than 2 million Gazans reliant on food aid. Israel has restricted humanitarian deliveries since ending the most recent ceasefire in March.
On Saturday, the first fuel shipment in 130 days—150,000 liters—entered Gaza. Aid groups warned the quantity is insufficient. “Fuel is the backbone of survival in Gaza,” a joint U.N. statement said, noting it powers hospitals, water systems, transportation, and aid logistics.
The UN and aid agencies also say distribution is hampered by Israeli restrictions and lawlessness on the ground, including looting and the breakdown of civil order.
U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Talks Yield No Breakthrough
This latest surge in violence comes just after two days of White House meetings between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Trump had expressed optimism about nearing an agreement to end the war, but no deal emerged.
Human rights groups continue to criticize the rising civilian toll. The Red Cross noted that those shot near the GHF site were “clearly attempting to access food,” not posing any armed threat.
Trump’s administration has supported Israel’s right to defend itself while pushing behind the scenes for a negotiated pause. Netanyahu’s government has maintained it will not cease operations until Hamas is dismantled.
Palestinian-American Killed by Israeli Settlers in West Bank
The same day, violence spread to the West Bank, where Palestinian-American Seifeddin Musalat and his friend Mohammed al-Shalabi were killed on family land, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Musalat, a Florida-born U.S. citizen visiting relatives, was allegedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers. His cousin Diana Halum said settlers prevented paramedics from reaching him.
An eyewitness, fearing retaliation, said settlers began shooting and attacking Palestinians with sticks and rocks. Israel’s military said earlier in the day that Palestinians had thrown stones at settlers, sparking confrontations.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged awareness of Musalat’s death but declined to comment publicly, citing respect for the family.
Settler violence in the West Bank has surged alongside Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with rights groups accusing the military of turning a blind eye. Israeli raids and Palestinian attacks have also intensified, adding to the region’s spiraling instability.
59 Palestinians Killed
You must Register or Login to post a comment.