Gaza Aid Tragedy: Witnesses Blame Israeli Fire in Killing 31/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Morning Edition/ Over 30 Palestinians were killed and more than 170 injured while heading to an aid site in Rafah, Gaza, according to local health officials. Witnesses blame Israeli gunfire, but the Israeli military denies any responsibility. The event marks the deadliest incident yet around Israel’s new aid delivery system.
Gaza Aid Tragedy Quick Looks
- At least 31 Palestinians killed near an aid site in Rafah
- Over 170 injured; most victims suffered gunshot or shrapnel wounds
- Witnesses allege Israeli gunfire; military denies responsibility
- Incident occurred near Israeli-backed aid distribution zone
- Red Cross hospital says it received record casualties in one day
- UN says new Israeli aid delivery system is “a death trap”
- Hamas-Israel ceasefire negotiations hit more roadblocks
- Israeli army vows to expand military operations and aid sites
Deep Look: Gaza Aid Distribution Turns Deadly as 31 Palestinians Killed, Israel Denies Blame
RAFAH, Gaza Strip — A desperate crowd seeking humanitarian aid turned into the scene of a bloodbath Sunday, as at least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 170 wounded near an Israeli-operated aid site in southern Gaza, according to local health officials and international organizations.
The victims, mostly civilians according to witnesses and aid groups, were trying to access food and supplies near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution point in Rafah. The early-morning violence marks the deadliest incident since the foundation began operations last week — part of a controversial new aid system designed by Israel and backed by the United States.
Witness Accounts Point to Israeli Gunfire
Multiple eyewitnesses said Israeli forces fired warning shots and later live ammunition as the crowd gathered just before 3 a.m. at the Flag Roundabout, approximately a kilometer from the aid site. Survivors described bullets and shrapnel coming from Israeli naval ships, tanks, and drones.
“There was fire from all directions,” said Amr Abu Teiba, a civilian at the scene. “The scene was horrible. I saw people shot in the head, neck, chest — many of them were just trying to get food.”
Doctors at Nasser Hospital confirmed the nature of the injuries, saying most of the wounded suffered gunshot wounds to the upper body. Among the deceased were numerous men, many reportedly trying to carry aid back to their families.
Red Cross Hospital Overwhelmed
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said its Rafah field hospital received 179 casualties, including 21 individuals who were declared dead on arrival. It was the highest single-day casualty figure at the facility since it opened over a year ago.
“All patients said they were trying to reach an aid distribution site,” the ICRC said, expressing deep concern over the incident and warning of the growing humanitarian risks on the ground.
Israeli Denial and Video Footage
Israel’s military denied targeting civilians, stating its forces fired only warning shots and that no engagement occurred within the aid site. An unnamed military official claimed troops had identified suspicious individuals advancing toward them.
The IDF also released drone footage showing masked men allegedly firing at civilians — though the video could not be independently verified by media outlets and appeared to have been filmed in daylight, hours after the incident.
Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation maintain the aid delivery occurred “without incident.” The foundation also released video showing what appeared to be peaceful food distribution, though its authenticity has not been confirmed.
UN, NGOs Reject Israel’s Aid Plan
The United Nations and major aid organizations have refused to cooperate with the Israeli-operated aid system, calling it unsafe, unregulated, and in violation of international humanitarian principles.
“Aid distribution has become a death trap,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Other critics accused the system of engineering “controlled scarcity” that forces vulnerable people to gather at militarized locations under dangerous conditions.
The UN says it continues to struggle with bringing in aid via its own channels due to Israeli restrictions, security threats, and logistical failures.
Calls for Expanded Aid Access
Following the bloodshed, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced an expansion of aid delivery sites and a renewed military operation in unspecified areas of northern and southern Gaza.
However, Palestinians remain skeptical. “They humiliated us for food,” said Ilham Jarghon, a grieving witness, as mourners prayed for the dead.
Mounting Casualties and Ceasefire Breakdown
Sunday’s killings contribute to a rising death toll in Gaza, where the Health Ministry reports over 54,000 people have died since Israel’s military campaign began in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack. About 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage in that initial assault.
Israel vows to continue its military campaign until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are returned. Meanwhile, ongoing ceasefire negotiations remain at an impasse. A U.S.-backed proposal was rejected by Hamas over the weekend, drawing criticism from international mediators Egypt and Qatar.
As tensions persist, most of Gaza’s 2 million residents face worsening displacement, food shortages, and health crises. Aid agencies warn of imminent famine without secure and efficient humanitarian access.
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