At least 23 Palestinians have been killed and more than 100 injured after Israeli tanks and drones opened fire near an aid distribution site in central Gaza, according to eyewitnesses and medics. The incident occurred near a distribution centre operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the US and Israel.
Witnesses say Israeli forces fired on crowds gathered for food aid, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed troops had issued warning shots before targeting “several suspects” who continued approaching. The GHF has denied any shootings near its locations.
This incident is the latest in a series of deadly events surrounding aid sites since GHF assumed control over much of Gaza’s food distribution in May, replacing the UN’s role amid an Israeli blockade that halted food deliveries for three months. The blockade pushed Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, according to UN-backed assessments.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 400 Palestinians have been killed in similar incidents involving aid distribution since late May. A spokesperson for al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat confirmed the receipt of 23 bodies and over 100 wounded from the latest attack.
UNICEF condemned the chaotic aid system, saying it has worsened the humanitarian crisis. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder pointed to poor communication and a lack of clarity over distribution schedules, especially when internet outages prevent Gaza residents from accessing real-time updates. “Children will begin to die of thirst,” he warned, citing the collapse of water infrastructure, with only 40% of drinking water facilities still operational.
In separate incidents, at least 12 Palestinians were killed Thursday while waiting for aid, and over 50 were reported dead on Tuesday in a shelling near Khan Younis. The IDF has said it is reviewing these cases.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have intensified across Gaza, reportedly killing dozens, including 11 in a strike on a home in Deir al-Balah. Local sources believe the renewed attacks aim to dismantle Hamas elements reasserting control in lawless zones.
Since the war began following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, Gaza’s health ministry says over 55,700 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 15,000 children.
