At least 20 Palestinians were killed on Monday while attempting to access food at aid distribution points in southern Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The victims were reportedly trying to reach food centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an initiative backed by the United States and Israel.
Gaza’s civil defense agency confirmed the fatalities, stating that dozens of people have died in recent weeks under similar circumstances while attempting to obtain vital aid. Witnesses and local officials claim the shootings occurred as civilians moved through Israeli-controlled zones in search of food and essentials.
The GHF has faced criticism from international organizations, including the United Nations, which refuses to work with the group. The UN has called the foundation ineffective and accused it of aligning with Israeli military objectives rather than addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Gazan population.
There has been no official response from the Israeli government regarding Monday’s deadly incident. In past events, Israeli forces have acknowledged using warning shots near distribution areas but deny deliberately targeting civilians.
Due to strict media restrictions imposed by Israel on Gaza, independent verification of the death toll and the precise circumstances surrounding the incident remains difficult.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reiterated warnings that Gaza’s entire population of over 2 million people is at imminent risk of famine. Humanitarian agencies continue to press Israel to allow greater and safer access for aid convoys.
Since March, Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza, reportedly killing more than 5,000 people, and previously blocked aid for two months, citing concerns that it was being diverted to Hamas militants still in control of the enclave.
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