Wed May 28 07:50:05 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A new aid distribution hub in Rafah, Gaza, established by the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), was overrun by Palestinians desperate for food. At least 47 were wounded, mostly by gunfire, with a UN official suggesting Israeli Army fire was the primary cause. The incident highlights deep concerns from the UN and other humanitarian organizations about the GHF’s system, which they believe is insufficient, allows Israel to use food as a weapon, and could lead to forced displacement. Israel defends the new mechanism as a way to prevent Hamas from siphoning aid, while the UN asserts existing mechanisms adequately prevent diversion. The UN and other aid groups are refusing to participate in the GHF system.
**News Article:**
**Dozens Wounded as Desperate Palestinians Overrun New Gaza Aid Hub**
*Geneva – May 28, 2025* – At least 47 Palestinians were wounded, predominantly by gunfire, during a chaotic incident at a newly established aid distribution hub in Rafah, Gaza, according to a UN official. The hub, set up by the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), was overwhelmed by crowds of Palestinians desperately seeking food after months of border closures.
Ajith Sunghay, head of the U.N. Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories, told reporters in Geneva that initial reports indicate Israeli Army fire caused the majority of the injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that on Tuesday, crowds broke through fences, and an Associated Press journalist saw Israeli tanks and gunfire, along with a military helicopter firing flares.
The GHF, slated by Israel to take over aid operations, opened the hub just a day prior. The U.N. and other humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized the new system. They argue it will be unable to meet the needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, potentially allows Israel to use food as a tool of control, and carries the risk of escalating tensions between Israeli troops and civilians seeking essential supplies.
The aid agencies cite humanitarian principles violations and fears that Israel will forcibly displace populations, moving them towards the limited distribution hubs and essentially facing starvation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a “momentary loss of control” at the distribution point. He reiterated Israel’s plan to move the entire Gaza population to a “sterile zone” in the southern part of the territory while its troops fight Hamas.
While Israel claims the GHF will replace the large-scale operation from the UN to distribute aid, aid agencies are refusing to participate in the new program. They claim that its existing mechanisms adequately prevent the diversion of aid to Hamas, a claim backed by the UN. They have requested Israel provide evidence of systematic diversion by Hamas.