Rising Toll: 12 Palestinians Dead Amid Aid Distribution Chaos in Gaza

A tragic incident in central Gaza has left at least 12 Palestinians dead from Israeli forces' gunfire while they were waiting for aid. This event reflects the increasing dangers surrounding aid distribution amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

At least 12 Palestinians lost their lives on Thursday while waiting for humanitarian assistance in central Gaza, according to rescue workers and medical personnel. The fatalities were reported to have occurred near an aid distribution site operated by the US- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF, however, has denied that any incidents took place adjacent to its location. The Israeli military, on the other hand, claimed that “suspects” had approached troops in the Netzarim area, leading soldiers to fire warning shots, asserting they were unaware of any injuries.

This tragedy marks a continuation of almost daily shootings near such aid centers in Gaza. Since the GHF assumed control over aid delivery in late May—an effort by Israel to sidestep the UN as the primary supplier—hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, primarily during incidents involving aid, rather than through direct Israeli strikes on Hamas. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported the 12 deaths occurred after midnight, yet refrained from providing extensive details.

According to a civil defense official, approximately 15 individuals were reported killed and 60 more injured near the Netzarim corridor, where a multitude seeks aid daily. The Israeli blockade has severely compounded humanitarian issues, as relief organizations struggle to navigate the complex political landscape in Gaza, leading to catastrophic food shortages.

Witness Bassam Abu Shaar recounted that as thousands gathered overnight at the GHF-supported site, Israeli forces opened fire shortly after 1:00 AM, with the dense crowd making escape virtually impossible. The GHF countered that there was no verification of their claims, labeling them as false reporting from the Gaza Health Ministry.

Calls for the UN and humanitarian organizations to take sole responsibility for aid distribution have intensified from Hamas, while their concerns over the GHF's approach continue to grow. The international community has largely rebuffed cooperation with the GHF, citing violations of humanitarian principles.

In parallel developments, civil defense teams have been recovering bodies across Gaza, with reports indicating that seven individuals were killed due to Israeli shelling targeting a tent housing displaced civilians in the Jabalia refugee camp. Reports have indicated that among the victims were a couple and their five children from the Asaliya family.

The Israeli military has been engaged in an extensive campaign in Gaza following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since this escalation, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry estimates that just over 55,600 people have died due to the ongoing conflict.