Israeli Forces Kill Over 30 Palestinians Near Gaza Food Distribution Centers
At least 32 Palestinians were killed on July 19, 2025, when Israeli forces opened fire near food distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the U.S. and Israel. This incident has intensified concerns regarding the safety of humanitarian operations amid an impending famine in the Gaza Strip, reports 24brussels.
The shootings occurred in two separate regions in southern Gaza: the Teina area, east of Khan Younis, and in the Shakoush area, near Rafah. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic environment as civilians, desperate for food, approached GHF aid hubs, only to be met with gunfire from Israeli troops.
The GHF began its food distribution in late May, positioned as an alternative to U.N.-led aid efforts, due to accusations from Washington and Tel Aviv that Hamas was diverting U.N. supplies. The U.N. has strongly disputed these claims.
While the GHF asserts it has provided millions of meals, local health officials and witnesses report numerous deaths from Israeli fire while attempting to access aid. The Israeli military maintains that it only fires warning shots to disperse crowds, although survivors reported a different narrative.
Mahmoud Mokeimar, a witness from Teina, claimed, “It was a massacre… the occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately,” while Akram Aker indicated that the attack involved tanks and drones. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed it received 25 bodies and reported around 70 wounded, with many injuries to the head and chest.
In another incident near Rafah, seven additional people lost their lives, including one woman, as they sought aid at a GHF site. The GHF claimed no fatal shootings had occurred at its locations but did acknowledge that 20 individuals had died earlier in a stampede at one of its sites, attributing the chaos to “Hamas agitators.” However, evidence to support this was not provided.
Video footage sourced from an American contractor collaborating with GHF revealed chaotic situations at the food distribution centers, with the use of tear gas and stun grenades to manage crowds, and audible gunfire during the events.
Following the incidents, the Israeli military reported engaging 90 targets across Gaza, describing them as “terror infrastructure,” without commenting specifically on the events near GHF hubs. An airstrike in Gaza City reportedly resulted in two fatalities at a displacement camp.
Context and Escalation
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, with over two million residents facing an unprecedented crisis and food security deteriorating rapidly. Aid distribution led by GHF has faced scrutiny, as U.S. and Israeli officials claim that Hamas diverts necessary assistance.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas strike on southern Israel, the conflict has seen over 58,000 Palestinians killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with a significant portion of the casualties comprising women and children.
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, have stalled, aggravating the existing humanitarian crisis. The recent killings near food distribution areas highlight the pressing need for secure and impartial aid corridors in Gaza, as the pursuit of basic necessities has turned perilous for many.
