Israeli forces open fire near a humanitarian aid site in southern Gaza, killing 27 Palestinians; The UN calls for an independent investigation and condemns attacks on civilians
At least 27 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in southern Gaza after Israeli troops opened fire near a US-backed humanitarian aid centre in the Rafah area, amid a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis in the territory.
The Gaza civil defence agency described the incident as a “massacre,” reporting that over 90 people were also injured while waiting for American food aid at the Al-Alam roundabout. The agency said Israeli forces used tanks and drones during the shooting. Israel, however, said its troops fired at “suspects” who ignored warning shots, claiming the soldiers responded after people deviated from designated access routes.
This tragic shooting occurred about a kilometre from a distribution centre run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group Israel has collaborated with to implement new aid mechanisms. The United Nations and major aid organisations have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns that it aligns too closely with Israeli military objectives.
The violence at the aid site is the second deadly incident in days. A similar shooting on Sunday killed at least 31 people nearby, with the Israeli military stating that warning shots were fired toward suspects. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the deaths, calling them “unacceptable” and demanding an independent investigation.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk labelled attacks on civilians a “war crime” and described the situation as “unconscionable,” underscoring the urgent need to protect innocent people seeking life-saving aid.
Among those killed was Reem al-Akhras, who was collecting food when the shooting began. Her grieving family spoke of the trauma and heartbreak caused by the violence. Her son, Zain Zidan, tearfully said, “She went to bring us some food, and this is what happened to her.” Her husband, Mohamed Zidan, called the incident a “trap” rather than humanitarian aid, lamenting the ongoing deaths of unarmed civilians.
Eyewitnesses reported the Israeli army first fired warning shots into the air before opening direct fire on the crowd. Rania al-Astal, who was at the scene, said people rushed towards the aid point despite the gunfire, triggering heavy Israeli fire. Another witness, Mohammed al-Shaer, confirmed that soldiers escalated from warning shots to shooting at the people.
The Israeli army said troops saw some individuals straying from the approved routes to the aid point and fired warning shots, escalating only when suspects failed to retreat. The incident remains under military investigation.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate sharply under a blockade imposed by Israel more than two months ago. Though recently eased, the blockade has severely restricted the flow of food and essential supplies, with the aid community pressing Israel for faster and greater access.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation reported distributing over seven million meals during its first week of operations, but the ongoing violence and criticism have overshadowed these efforts. The US State Department expressed support for GHF’s work but pledged to explore further improvements.
The conflict has inflicted a devastating toll on both sides. Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, Hamas-run Gaza’s health ministry reports over 4,200 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians. Israeli authorities confirm that 424 Israeli soldiers have died in the territory since the war began, with three soldiers killed on Tuesday alone in northern Gaza.
The White House said it was reviewing the reports from Rafah, while international calls for protecting civilians and allowing humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need continue to grow.
This tragic event highlights the escalating risks faced by Palestinians trying to access aid amid the ongoing conflict and raises urgent questions about the protection of civilians in Gaza.
