Sun Jun 01 10:46:52 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Deadly Chaos at Gaza Aid Distribution Sites: Dozens Killed as Israeli Forces Open Fire**
**Gaza Strip** – At least 32 Palestinians have been killed and over 200 injured in a series of deadly incidents at aid distribution sites across the Gaza Strip, marking a catastrophic first week for the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The incidents occurred as desperate civilians gathered to receive food aid amidst a looming famine.
On Sunday morning, Israeli tanks reportedly opened fire on crowds at a distribution point in Rafah, southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 people. Shortly after, another person was killed in a similar shooting near Gaza City.
The GHF, a US-backed initiative, has faced widespread criticism and boycotts from established aid organizations like the UN, who question its neutrality and accuse it of serving Israel’s military objectives. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has described the distribution points as “death traps.” The GHF’s Executive Director, Jake Woods, resigned prior to the start of distributions, citing concerns about adhering to humanitarian principles.
Witnesses claim Israeli forces fired on civilians approaching the distribution points. One witness reported seeing numerous gunshot wounds and a young man dying at the scene.
While the Israeli military denies directly firing at civilians, stating that an initial inquiry found no evidence to support the claims, the GHF admitted to firing “warning shots” as crowds gathered.
The Hamas group has announced it is ready to immediately begin negotiations for a new truce, after talks hit a standstill. But Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated he told the army to continue against all targets in Gaza, regardless of ongoing negotiations.
The Gaza Government Media Office condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of using aid as a tool of war, deliberately creating “killing points” to target starving civilians with US support. The Palestinian Medical Relief Society criticized the current aid distribution mechanism, arguing it fails to meet the needs of vulnerable populations and may have hidden agendas.
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