Tue Jun 17 20:15:00 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**

**Dozens Killed as Aid Seekers Targeted in Gaza, Reports Claim**

*Published: June 18, 2025, 01:45 am IST*

**Gaza City, Palestinian Territories:** More than 50 Palestinians were reportedly killed in Khan Yunis on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as they gathered to receive aid, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The incident, near a World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid center, is the latest tragedy amidst dire humanitarian conditions in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at least 53 people died and about 200 were wounded when, “Israeli drones fired at the citizens. Some minutes later, Israeli tanks fired several shells at the citizens.”

The Israeli army stated it was “aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals from (Israeli military) fire following the crowd’s approach” and that the incident was “under review.” They indicated a gathering was identified near an aid truck stuck in the area, close to Israeli troops.

AFP’s ability to independently verify casualty figures and details is limited due to Israeli restrictions on media access in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported 51 deaths and over 200 injuries arrived at Nasser Medical Complex, with 20 in critical condition.

This incident underscores the critical shortage of food, fuel, and clean water in Gaza, ravaged by over 20 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has attempted aid distribution, these efforts have been marred by chaotic scenes and fatalities. The UN’s OCHA recently reported children separated from families during aid distributions.

Adding to the crisis, efforts are underway to restore Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, one of the few remaining functioning health facilities. Patients are struggling to receive treatment amidst the constant bombing and lack of supplies.

OCHA continues to warn of a famine risk in Gaza, citing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, 2025, over 5,000 Gazans have died, bringing the overall death toll since the start of the war to over 55,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Read More