Israeli Forces Kill Nine Palestinian Civilians Amid Aid Distribution Chaos
At least nine Palestinian civilians were killed and dozens injured on Thursday as they awaited humanitarian assistance in northern Rafah and central Gaza. Witnesses report that Israeli forces opened fire near aid distribution centers, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, reports 24brussels.
Among the deceased, five victims were shot outside an aid center north of Rafah, while four others died in central Gaza. These tragic incidents highlight the increasing desperation as civilians gather in large numbers for food and basic supplies amidst widespread famine and displacement.
Since the onset of Israel’s military campaign on October 7, 2023, over 61,258 Palestinians have been reported killed, with more than 152,045 injured, as confirmed by Gaza’s Ministry of Health. This includes thousands of vulnerable children, women, and elderly individuals.
The crisis extends beyond immediate violence, as starvation claims lives at a staggering rate. At least 198 individuals, including 96 children, have succumbed to hunger and severe malnutrition, conditions worsened by the blockade and the breakdown of Gaza’s food distribution systems.
Over 11,800 civilians have sustained injuries while trying to access humanitarian aid. Many of these injuries occurred near distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization under scrutiny for its militarized approach to aid delivery, linked to over 1,373 deaths since May.
The GHF has faced intense criticism for creating a fortified aid distribution process that endangers lives. Civilians are often directed into enclosed zones resembling military facilities, heavily guarded by armed contractors and Israeli troops. Human rights organizations argue that this violates basic humanitarian principles.
“It’s the same daily episode,” said Yahia Youssef, a survivor from the Netzarim corridor. He described chaotic scenes filled with gunfire and civilians bleeding on the ground. Similar accounts have emerged from Rafah and Khan Younis, where Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on unarmed crowds.
In response to the ongoing crisis, more than 170 NGOs, including prominent groups like Save the Children and Oxfam, have called for the dismantling of the GHF system. The United Nations has denounced it as failing to uphold humanitarian standards and subjecting civilians to continuous violence.
Children are particularly affected, with many injured or traumatized while seeking aid. Attacks have targeted schools and shelters, leaving safe zones virtually nonexistent. The psychological impact on the youth is profound and enduring.
The humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza is deteriorating. Aid trucks often face looting en route to distribution points, and aerial drops have proven insufficient and perilous. Experts warn that Gaza is facing a “worst-case scenario of famine.”
The GHF was established as an alternative to UN-led aid efforts, which Israel accused of supporting Hamas—a claim lacking substantiation. Critics assert that the GHF functions as a political tool aimed at deflecting international criticism while controlling aid access.
Humanitarian leaders and rights advocates are calling for a return to community-based, demilitarized aid distribution. The tragic events of Thursday underline the urgent need for a coordinated, civilian-centered response that emphasizes safety, dignity, and the provision of life-saving resources.
