Palestinians say Israeli fires killed five near aid sites. Israel says it fires warning shots – Country
Palestinian health officials and witnesses said Sunday that the Israeli fire killed at least five people and injured others as they headed towards Israeli and U.S.-backed groups toward two aid allocation points in Gaza. Israel's army said it fired warning guns at those approaching the troops.
Over the past two weeks, shootings have occurred frequently near the new hub, with thousands of Palestinians (fighting desperately after 20 months of the war) being directed to collect food. Witnesses said nearby Israeli troops opened fire and more than 80 people were killed, according to Gaza hospital officials.
The district’s health ministry said at least 108 bodies were taken to hospitals in Gaza in the past 48 hours. Israeli troops said that over the past day, it has attacked dozens of radical targets throughout Gaza.
The latest four bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis. Palestinian witnesses said Israeli troops fired fire at them at a roundabout about a kilometer where the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation operates in nearby Rafah.
Israel's army said it warned the “suspect” who advanced to its troops, ignoring the warning of the warning. It said the shooting occurred in an area considered an active combat zone at night.
Al-Awda Hospital said it received the bodies of a 42-year-old man and 29 people who were injured near another GHF aid distribution point in central Gaza. The military said it fired warning shots in the area around 6:40 a.m. but saw no casualties.
GHF officials said there was no violence at its distribution location or around, and all three provided assistance on Sunday. The group temporarily closed them last week to discuss security measures with Israeli troops and warn people to stay on designated routes of visit. The official was consistent with the regulations under anonymity.
The new aid hub was established within the Israeli military zone and was not accessible to independent media.
Witnesses are worried about their safety
Witnesses said the shooting in southern Gaza occurred around 6 a.m. when they were told the site would be open. Many people head to it early and need food before the crowd arrives.
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Adham Dahman, who had bandages on his chin at Nasser Hospital, said a tank had opened a can at them. “We don't know how to escape,” he said. “It's a trap for us, not a help.”
Zahed Ben Hassan said someone next to him was shot dead. He said he and others pulled the body out of the scene.
“They said it was a safe area, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. … So why did they start shooting us?” he said. “There is light, they have cameras that can see us clearly.”
The military announced Friday that the locations will be open during those times and the area will become a closed military zone for the rest of the time.
The children cried on the body of their father in the hospital. “I can't see you like this, Dad!” said a girl.
Aid is distributed in Israeli military zones
The approximately 20 million Palestinians in Gaza rely almost exclusively on international aid, as almost all food production capacity is destroyed.
The new aid hub is operated by a new group GHF, mainly U.S. contractors. Israel hopes it replaces the system coordinated by the United Nations and international aid organizations.
Israel and the United States accused Hamas militants of stealing aid. The United Nations denies a systematic transfer. The United Nations said the new system cannot meet the growing demand and Israel can use aid as a weapon by determining where it can be received and forcing people to relocate to aid sites.
Even after Israel completely blocked Gaza's complete blockade last month, the UN system has been working hard to provide assistance. UN officials said their efforts were hampered by Israeli military restrictions, collapse of law and order, and widespread robbery.
Experts warn that earlier this year, Gaza faces a dangerous risk of famine if Israel does not lift its lockdown and stops its military movement. Both were renewed in March. Israeli officials said the offensive would continue until all hostages were returned and Hamas was defeated or disarmed and exiled.
Hamas said it would only release the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and Israel's evacuation from Gaza. Talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been at a standstill for months.
Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and another 251 were hostages. They still hold 55 hostages, most of which are released in a ceasefire agreement or other transactions.
Israel has recovered dozens of bodies, including three in recent days, and rescued eight living hostages during the war.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, Israel's military campaign has killed more than 54,800 Palestinians. It said women and children made up most of the dead, but did not say how many civilians or combatants were killed. Israel said it has killed more than 20,000 militants, but has provided no evidence.
The war destroyed a vast area of Gaza and displaced about 90% of the population.
– Documents with Melanie Lidman of the Associated Press
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
