Israeli Fire Near Gaza Aid Sites Kills 39, Dozens Injured

At least 39 people were killed and over 100 injured after reported Israeli gunfire near two aid distribution centres in southern Gaza, according to the Gaza Civil Defence.

The incidents occurred near sites southwest of Khan Yunis and northwest of Rafah, where large crowds had gathered in hopes of receiving food. Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal blamed the deaths on Israeli forces.

Witnesses said soldiers opened fire as crowds approached distribution points. “My relatives and I went to get food before dawn, but we were met with bullets instead,” said Abdul Aziz Abed, 37. Three other witnesses also reported that troops fired on the crowd.

The Israeli military stated it had identified individuals approaching their position in Rafah, claiming they posed a threat. Soldiers reportedly issued warnings before firing. The military added that the shots were fired about a kilometre away from the aid site during hours when it was not operating and said the incident was under review.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has taken over aid coordination, denied any casualties at its sites and urged people not to visit during the night or early morning.

Elsewhere, 12 people were reported killed in an Israeli airstrike on a home near Nuseirat in central Gaza.

The ongoing conflict, now in its 21st month, has displaced most of Gaza's population and left millions in dire need. The World Food Programme reports that nearly one in three Gazans go days without food, with thousands on the brink of famine.

Despite having sufficient food for three months, UN agencies say aid remains stuck in warehouses, blocked from delivery. A ceasefire deal under negotiation includes the demand for unrestricted aid flow and a full Israeli military withdrawal.

Since the start of the war following the Hamas-led October 7 attack, over 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly civilians. In response, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of 58,765 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry.