A reported Israeli attack in southern Gaza’s Rafah has killed at least 27 Palestinians and injured dozens more, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The incident occurred near the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, close to an aid distribution site operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Eyewitnesses say a crowd had gathered to receive aid when they came under fire. While Israel’s military acknowledged its forces were active in the area, it claims the shooting occurred about 500 meters from the aid center, targeting individuals approaching soldiers outside designated routes. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that warning shots were fired but is now investigating reports of civilian casualties.
The Red Cross reported that 50 injured people arrived at its field hospital in Rafah, two of whom were dead on arrival. Another fatality was recorded at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Medical staff described injuries consistent with gunfire and shrapnel, many affecting women and children.
In a separate attack, three Palestinians were killed in a drone strike on a school in Deir Al Balah. Meanwhile, reports indicate that on Sunday, an earlier Israeli attack in Rafah killed 31 and wounded over 170. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said patients reported being shot at while attempting to collect food.
Despite these claims, GHF maintains that its aid operations on the day were conducted safely and without incident. This stance is contradicted by local witnesses and journalists, who allege Israeli tank fire near the al-Alam roundabout close to the aid site.
The United Nations and international aid agencies have expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and called for an independent investigation into the deaths, demanding accountability.
GHF, which distributes food with U.S. and Israeli coordination, has faced criticism for bypassing established humanitarian channels. Some Palestinian groups have called for a boycott of the organization, branding it part of a “U.S.-Israeli aid mechanism.”
The tragedy comes amid an ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza that began in October 2023. According to the latest figures from Gaza’s health authorities, the total death toll now exceeds 54,400, with over 124,000 injured. The campaign has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population and triggered widespread food insecurity.
International criminal investigations are also underway. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes, while the International Court of Justice is examining genocide charges related to the conduct of Israel’s war in Gaza.
