At least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 175 others injured on Sunday while heading to receive food aid in Gaza, according to a Red Cross field hospital and eyewitnesses. The victims were reportedly shot by Israeli forces near a distribution site managed by an Israeli-backed foundation.
Witnesses said Israeli troops opened fire on a large crowd that had gathered at the Flag Roundabout, roughly a kilometer from the aid site. Multiple reports described gunfire coming from tanks, naval warships, and drones. Some victims were transported to the hospital on carts, with witnesses calling the scene “horrible.”
The Israeli military has not commented on the incident. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates the aid site under Israeli oversight, claimed it delivered 16 truckloads of aid “without incident” and denied any involvement in the violence. The foundation also dismissed reports of deaths and injuries as “false.”
This is not the first time violence has erupted around the aid hubs. Previous incidents reportedly left at least six people dead and over 50 wounded. While the foundation denies using armed force, the Israeli military has previously admitted to firing warning shots at crowds.
The controversial aid system, backed by Israel and the U.S., has been criticized for allowing Israeli control over aid distribution and forcing people to relocate. UN agencies and major humanitarian groups have refused to participate, citing violations of humanitarian principles.
The incident comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched a military offensive following a deadly Hamas attack. With the territory on the brink of famine and nearly 90 percent of its population displaced, aid remains a critical lifeline for Gaza’s civilians.
Witnesses said Israeli troops opened fire on a large crowd that had gathered at the Flag Roundabout, roughly a kilometer from the aid site. Multiple reports described gunfire coming from tanks, naval warships, and drones. Some victims were transported to the hospital on carts, with witnesses calling the scene “horrible.”
The Israeli military has not commented on the incident. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates the aid site under Israeli oversight, claimed it delivered 16 truckloads of aid “without incident” and denied any involvement in the violence. The foundation also dismissed reports of deaths and injuries as “false.”
This is not the first time violence has erupted around the aid hubs. Previous incidents reportedly left at least six people dead and over 50 wounded. While the foundation denies using armed force, the Israeli military has previously admitted to firing warning shots at crowds.
The controversial aid system, backed by Israel and the U.S., has been criticized for allowing Israeli control over aid distribution and forcing people to relocate. UN agencies and major humanitarian groups have refused to participate, citing violations of humanitarian principles.
The incident comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched a military offensive following a deadly Hamas attack. With the territory on the brink of famine and nearly 90 percent of its population displaced, aid remains a critical lifeline for Gaza’s civilians.
