Rafah aid distribution killings

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was registered in both Delaware, United States, and Geneva, Switzerland, in February 2025,{{Cite web |last=Ott |first=Haley |date=2025-05-29 |title=Controversial U.S.-backed Gaza aid group breaching rules for foundations registered in Switzerland, Swiss authorities say |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gaza-humanitarian-foundation-ghf-breaching-rules-switzerland-authorities-say/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}} and is described by the BBC as aiming to provide an "alternative to the UN as the main supplier of aid" to Gaza.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-27 |title=Controversial US-backed group says it has begun aid distribution in Gaza |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cev41em3r9lo |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=BBC News|first=David|last=Gritten|language=en-GB}} The foundation is backed by both the Trump administration and the Israeli government.{{Cite news |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Cornwell |first2=Alexander |last3=Al-Mughrabi |first3=Nidal |last4=Cornwell |first4=Alexander |date=2025-06-05 |title=US group distributing aid in Gaza reopens sites after deadly shootings |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-recovers-bodies-two-hostages-held-by-hamas-prime-minister-says-2025-06-05/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |work=Reuters |language=en}}

Due to Israeli checkpoints into Gaza which predate the October 7 attacks, the Israeli government and IDF have controlled the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza, with aid delivery disrupted multiple times over the years, either via Israeli government blockades or Israeli civilian actions.{{Cite web |last=ברוך |first=חזקי |title=מאות ניסו למנוע סיוע לעזה וחסמו את נמל אשדוד |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/627977 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=ערוץ 7 |language=he}} Since March 2, 2025, very little humanitarian aid has been allowed into Gaza, with concerns about famine in Gaza being raised by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).{{Cite news |date=May 12, 2025 |title=Gaza population faces critical risk of famine, global hunger monitor says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/entire-population-gaza-continues-face-critical-risk-famine-global-hunger-monitor-2025-05-12/ |access-date=May 14, 2025 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |last1=Shih |first1=Gerry |last2=Brown |first2=Cate |last3=Parker |first3=Claire |last4=DeYoung |first4=Karen |date=23 May 2025 |title=Sweeping overhaul of Gaza aid raises questions of morality and workability |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/24/gaza-humanitarian-foundation-ghf-aid/ |newspaper=Washington Post}} Additional allegations by both Israel and the United States that Hamas was stealing aid, which the group denied, have also hindered humanitarian aid disbursement. The GHF began operations on 26 May 2025 at a new distribution center in Rafah.{{Cite web |last=Magid |first=Jacob |date=2025-05-26 |title=Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says it began aid distribution today |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/gaza-humanitarian-foundation-says-it-began-aid-distribution-today/ |access-date= |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}

The GHF sites are secured by American contractors, particularly Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), with Israeli troops patrolling the perimeter. The sites have chain-link fences directing Palestinians into military base-resembling structures surrounded by large sand berms.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-28 |title=Crowd is fired on at chaotic Gaza aid-distribution site, killing at least 1 and wounding 48 |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-aid-05-28-2025-d4fdbe80de0ac3edd24cf17227c0e3c2 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=AP News |language=en}} Palestinians are expected to go through identity checks and screening for involvement with Hamas prior to accessing food. The UN condemned the GHF plan and insisted that it will not operate with any scheme that fails to uphold humanitarian principles, with a spokesperson saying that "the operation was a "distraction from what is actually needed" and [urging] Israel to reopen all crossings."

On 27 May 2025, the GHF began distributing aid at a distribution center in Tel al-Sultan in Rafah under IDF oversight. Thousands of Palestinians gathered to access food packages. The size of the crowd, which included women and children, led to chaos as people clambered over fences and pushed through packed corridors to reach the supplies. According to the GHF, the chaos resulted in the temporary withdrawal of American forces from the compound, allowing some Gazans to "take aid safely and dissipate."{{cite web|title= 'Heinous crime': Israel kills 10 desperate aid seekers in Gaza in 48 hours|url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/28/heinous-crime-authorities-say-ten-aid-seekers-killed-in-gaza-in-forty-eight-hours|website=Al Jazeera|date=28 May 2025|access-date=30 May 2025}}{{Cite news |last1=Livni |first1=Ephrat |last2=Kingsley |first2=Patrick |last3=Harouda |first3=Ameera |last4=Boxerman |first4=Aaron |date=2025-05-27 |title=Chaos Erupts at Israeli-Backed Aid Distribution Site in Gaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/world/middleeast/gaza-aid-site-israel.html |access-date=2025-05-28 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |date=May 27, 2025 |title=Palestinians rush US-backed aid centre despite concerns over checks |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinians-wary-us-backed-aid-group-begins-operations-gaza-2025-05-27/ |access-date=May 27, 2025 |publisher=Reuters}}

The Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israeli tanks opened fire on the crowd, resulting in at least three deaths and 48 injuries, calling it a "deliberate massacre" and a "full-fledged war crime." The count was later updated to 10 killed and 62 wounded. The IDF denied firing at Palestinians, saying that it had fired "warning shots" in an outside area to establish control over the situation. A UN spokesperson disputed the Israeli narrative, stating that "most of those injured are due to gunshots" from the IDF.

Videos circulating show people running away from the distribution center in panic as gunfire is heard in the distance. They also show a military helicopter firing flares from the sky.

On 28 May, the Gaza Government Media Office stated that the IDF had killed ten civilians and wounded 62 others over the past 48 hours at the aid distribution site. On 31 May, three Palestinians were killed in Rafah while trying to reach the aid distribution centre according to Palestinian medical sources.{{cite web |first=Hosni |last=Nedim |title=غزة تباد.. 22 قتيلا بينهم 3 برصاص إسرائيلي أثناء توجههم للمساعدات |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF-22-%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85-3-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B5-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%AB%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%87%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA-/3585027 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=31 May 2025 |access-date=2 June 2025 |language=ar}} The Gaza Health Ministry meanwhile stated that the death toll at the Rafah aid distribution centre had risen to 17 killed, 86 wounded and five missing.{{cite web |author1=Yusuf Alioglu |author2=Rania Abu Shamala |title=Death toll from US-Israeli aid mechanism in Gaza rises to 17: Health Ministry |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/death-toll-from-us-israeli-aid-mechanism-in-gaza-rises-to-17-health-ministry/3585535 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=31 May 2025 |access-date=2 June 2025 }}

On 1 June 2025, the IDF killed 32 civilians and wounded over 250 at the aid centre in Rafah.{{cite web |title=50,000 Palestinian children killed or wounded in Gaza since war began |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/50000-palestinian-children-killed-or-wounded-gaza-war |work=The New Arab |date=2 June 2025 |access-date=2 June 2025 }}{{cite web |title=At least four killed by Israeli fire near Gaza food point, officials say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/08/shooting-rafah-gaza-food-distribution-point-ghf |work=The Guardian |date=8 June 2025 |access-date=9 June 2025|quote=On 1 June, 31 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they went to receive food. }} The Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that its paramedics had rescued at least 23 dead Palestinians and another 23 wounded from the area. According to Nasser Hospital's emergency department, 150 injured people and 28 bodies were brought to the hospital.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-aid-06-01-2025-67688833abb96fc068c42d10da90a0a4|title=At least 31 Palestinians are killed while heading to a Gaza aid hub, officials and witnesses say|date=1 June 2025|website=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |date=2025-06-01 |title=Over 20 Killed Near Aid Distribution Site in Gaza, Palestinian Health Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/world/middleeast/gaza-aid-distribution-site-attack.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The GHF claimed in response that the reports were "untrue" and "fabricated" by Hamas,{{cite web |first= Mera |last= Aladam |title= Israeli forces kill three starving Palestinians queuing for food, raising death toll of aid seekers to 75 |url= https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-kills-starving-palestinians-seeking-aid-southern-gaza |website=Middle East Eye|date=2 June 2025|access-date=2 June 2025}} publishing undated security camera footage showing a calm atmosphere to support its claims.{{cite web |author1=Nidal Al-Mughrabi |author2=Hatem Khaled |title=Gaza ministry says Israel kills more than 30 aid seekers, Israel denies |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strike-aid-point-kills-26-rafah-hamas-affiliated-media-say-2025-06-01/ |work=Reuters |date=1 June 2025 |access-date=2 June 2025 }} The IDF also called the reports "false," denying that it had fired "within or near" the aid distribution center, and released a drone video which it claimed showed an unrelated looting at Khan Yunis, where Palestinian militants threw rocks and fired at civilians heading to collect aid.{{cite web |date=1 June 2025 |title=IDF: Drone footage shows gunmen in Gaza firing at civilians collecting humanitarian aid |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s12gezqzeg |access-date=2 June 2025 |work=Ynet|first=Yoav|last=Zitun}}{{cite web|website= The Times of Israel|last= Fabian|first= Emanuel|date= 1 June 2025|title= IDF says drone video shows gunmen firing at Gazans seeking looted aid in Khan Younis|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-drone-video-shows-gunmen-firing-at-gazans-seeking-looted-aid-in-khan-younis/ }} Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry, hospital officials, and several witnesses said Israel was responsible for the gunfire at Rafah.{{Cite web |last1=Salman |first1=Abeer |last2=al Sawalhi |first2=Mohammad |last3=Kourdi |first3=Eyad |last4=Lister |first4=Tim |date=2025-06-01 |title=Dozens shot dead and injured near Gaza aid hub, health ministry and doctors say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/01/middleeast/palestinians-killed-gaza-aid-center-intl-hnk |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=CNN |language=en}} Médecins Sans Frontières said that its patients at Nasser Hospital "reported being shot at from all sides by Israeli drones, helicopters, boats, tanks and soldiers."{{cite web |last=Gritten |first=David |date=2 June 2025 |title=UN calls for investigation into killings near Gaza aid distribution site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c753e0p29z0o |access-date=2 June 2025 |work=BBC}} A CNN review based on witness testimonies, video evidence, and expert analysis, found that the shots were likely fired by the Israeli army at a location where GHF operated.{{Cite web |last3=Salman |first3=Abeer |last4=al Sawalhi |first4=Mohammad |last1=Abou-Ghazala|first1=Yahya|last2=Diamond|first2=Diamond|first5=Madalena|last5=Araújo|date=2025-06-04 |title='Death and hunger': Videos, expert analysis and witnesses point to Israeli gunfire in Gaza aid site shooting |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/04/middleeast/israel-military-gaza-aid-shooting-intl-invs |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=CNN |language=en}} Pro-Palestinian social media accounts referred to the 1 June incident as the "Witkoff massacre", referring to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff who had endorsed Israel's plan to take over aid delivery in Gaza.{{Cite news |title=Calls to shut down GHF grow after deadly Gaza 'Witkoff Massacre' |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/calls-shut-down-ghf-grow-after-deadly-gaza-witkoff-massacre |work=The New Arab|date=2 June 2025}}

Footage of the aftermath of a strike was initially claimed to have occurred near the aid centre, but was later determined by BBC Verify as a previously unreported Israel Defense Forces strike, 4.5km from the aid centre, at al-Mawasi on 1 June 2025, which the Israel Defense Forces told the BBC that they had "wrongfully hit the Mawasi area" with artillery that "deviated" after "technical and operational errors".{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Merlyn |last2=Pengelly |first2=Emma |title=Israeli army admits to Gaza strike after BBC Verify investigation |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7zplv35l1o |access-date=10 June 2025 |work=BBC News |date=6 June 2025}}

On 2 June, the Gaza Government Media Office stated that three people were killed and 35 others wounded by the IDF near the aid center, with the IDF claiming that its troops had shot at suspects who were approaching towards them.{{cite web |first=Emanuel |last=Fabian |title=Hamas: 3 killed by Israeli fire near Gaza aid center; IDF: Troops fired on 'suspects who approached them in threatening way' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-3-killed-by-israeli-fire-near-gaza-aid-center-idf-troops-fired-on-suspects-who-approached-them-in-threatening-way/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=2 June 2025 |access-date=2 June 2025 }} It also stated that 75 people had been killed and more than 400 others had been wounded since 27 May by the IDF.

On 3 June, at least 27 civilians were killed and 161 more were injured after the Israeli military said that its forces had opened fire on a group of individuals who had left designated access routes near the distribution centre in Rafah.{{cite web|date=3 June 2025|title= At least 27 Palestinians killed near Gaza aid site, medics say|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/least-24-palestinians-killed-near-gaza-aid-site-medics-say-2025-06-03/|website=Reuters|author1=Nidal al-Mughrabi|author2=Crispian Balmer|access-date=3 June 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Doctor describes 'total carnage' as 27 reported killed by Israeli fire at Gaza aid centre - live updates |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvg5vyp33j1t?post=asset%3Af02cd58b-3ba7-4d07-942d-697763058f89#post |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Miriam |date=3 June 2025 |title=Israel says it fired 'warning shots' near aid site; health officials say 27 dead |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/03/gaza-shooting-rafah/ |access-date=3 June 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} The International Committee of the Red Cross meanwhile reported 184 injuries. Hamas meanwhile stated that so far at least 102 people had been killed and more than 490 wounded while seeking aid.{{Cite news |date=3 June 2025 |title=Israel kills 27 Palestinians in latest mass killing of aid seekers |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-kills-27-palestinians-latest-mass-killing-aid-seekers |access-date=4 June 2025 |newspaper=Middle East Eye}} On the next day, the IDF declared all roads leading to aid centers to be "combat zones," thereby closing the distribution centers for the day.{{Cite web |first=Sean |last=Seddon |date=2025-06-03 |title=IDF says roads to Gaza aid centres are 'combat zones' as sites close for day |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnv18gp4rdzo |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation later stated that it would close its aid distribution sites on 4 June, with the IDF declaring routes leading to them as combat zones. The sites reopened on 5 June.

On 6 June, eight Palestinians were killed and 61 others wounded near the aid distribution centre in Rafah.{{cite web |author1=Ikram Kouachi |author2=Rania Abu Shamala |title=No let-up in Israel's Gaza attacks as 33 killed on Eid day |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/no-let-up-in-israels-gaza-attacks-as-33-killed-on-eid-day/3590516 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=6 June 2025 |access-date=7 June 2025}} The death toll near the aid distribution sites meanwhile rose to 110 killed and 583 wounded.{{cite web |title=Ex-CIA officer running Gaza aid security advised Boston Consulting Group |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/ex-cia-officer-running-gaza-aid-security-advised-boston-consulting-group |work=Middle East Eye |date=7 June 2025 |access-date=7 June 2025}}

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation again shut the aid centres on 7 June, accusing Hamas of threatening it, and stated that it would open on the following day. Hamas denied the allegation.{{cite web |author1=Maayan Lubell |author2=Jaidaa Taha |author3=Nidal Al-Mughrabi |title=US group distributing aid in Gaza reopens sites after deadly shootings |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/israeli-military-retrieves-body-thai-hostage-gaza-defence-minister-says-2025-06-07/ |work=Reuters |date=7 June 2025 |access-date=8 June 2025 }} That same day, six more Palestinians were killed and several others were injured by Israeli forces near the aid distribution centre.{{cite web|title= Six killed by Israeli gunfire near Gaza aid site, Hamas officials say|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5evz4xdklo.amp|website=BBC News|last=Usher|first=Barbara|date=7 June 2025|access-date=8 June 2025}}{{cite web|title= Israeli forces in Gaza kill 6 Palestinians seeking aid, health officials say|url= https://www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israeli-forces-gaza-kill-palestinians-seeking-aid-rcna211642|website=NBC News|last=Alsharif|first=Mirna|date=7 June 2025|access-date=8 June 2025}}

On 8 June, Palestinian health officials said at least 13 people were killed and 173 others were injured by Israeli forces the aid distribution centre in Rafah.{{cite web |first=Mohammed |last=Sio |title=Gaza's health care system is extremely fragile, Red Cross warns |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/gaza-s-health-care-system-is-extremely-fragile-red-cross-warns/3591858 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=8 June 2025 |access-date=9 June 2025 }} The Israeli military said they fired warning shots at people it said were suspects who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away but did not see any casualties. Eleven bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis while another body and 29 injured people were brought to Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia. Palestinian witnesses there said Israeli forces had fired on them at a roundabout that is around a kilometre (half-mile) from a site run in the nearby city of Rafah.{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2025 |title=Palestinians say 5 killed by Israeli fire near aid sites. Israel says it fired warning shots |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/israel-hamas-war/article/palestinians-say-5-killed-by-israeli-fire-near-aid-sites-israel-says-it-fired-warning-shots/ |access-date=June 8, 2025 |publisher=CTV News}} The total civilian toll at the aid centres rose to 125 killed, 736 wounded and nine missing per Hamas.

Survivors of the repeated mass killings perpetrated at the distribution sites have begun to refer to the Israeli-backed operation as traps or death traps rather than aid.{{cite web |title='These are traps set for the people': the story of a mother shot dead searching for food in Gaza |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/jun/07/story-of-a-mother-shot-dead-searching-for-food-in-gaza |work=The Guardian |date=7 June 2025 |access-date=9 June 2025}}

On 9 June, 14 civilians were killed and more than 99 wounded near the aid distribution site, with Palestinians accusing the IDF and allied local gunmen from the Popular Forces of firing at them.{{cite web |title=Palestinians say Israel and its allies fired on a crowd near Gaza aid site. Hospital says 14 killed |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-aid-06-09-2025-3a6073a0905a60f9a99625852cf8ad19 |first1=Wafaa |last1=Shurafa |first2=Samy |last2=Magdy |work=The Associated Press |date=9 June 2025 |access-date=10 June 2025 }} The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation meanwhile stated that it had closed one of its centres in Tel al-Sultan due to chaotic conditions caused by the crowds.{{cite web |first1=Emanuel |last1=Fabian |first2=Jacob |last2=Magid |title=GHF says aid site closed due to crowd 'chaos,' as Hamas authorities claim 6 killed |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ghf-says-aid-site-closed-due-to-crowd-chaos-as-hamas-authorities-claim-6-killed/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=9 June 2025 |access-date=11 June 2025 }}

On 10 June, another 36 civilians were killed and 207 were wounded near an aid distribution site according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The victims were seeking aid before "warning shots to distance suspects" were fired by the IDF towards individuals that they claim "posed a threat to troops." By this time, at least 163 people were killed and 1,495 were wounded while trying to receive aid from the GHF.{{Cite news |last=El-Bawab |first=Nadine |last2=Ostaz |first2=Diaa |last3=Miller |first3=Jordana |year=2025 |title=At least 36 Palestinians killed in shooting near Gaza aid site, health ministry says |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/36-palestinians-killed-shooting-gaza-aid-site-health/story?id=122691590 |work=ABC News}}{{Cite news |last=Shurafa |first=Wafaa |last2=Magdy |first2=Samy |title=36 Palestinians killed, 207 wounded trying to reach aid, health ministry reports |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/palestinians-killed-trying-to-reach-aid-gaza/65024940 |work=KCRA 3}}{{cite web |first1=Wafaa |last1=Surafa |first2=Samy |last2=Magdy |title=36 Palestinians killed trying to obtain desperately needed aid in Gaza, officials say |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-aid-06-10-2025-fe6c6c36e302ee1766f1b0f2a7d5bc19 |work=The Associated Press |date=10 June 2025 |access-date=11 June 2025 }}

On 11 June, an additional 25 people were killed at night near a GHF food distribution center. Once again, the Israeli government claims to have been firing warning shots at "suspects", while the Palestinian Civil Defence claims that the IDF opened fire. Another 14 were killed by the IDF near a GHF center, according to the Nasser Hospital. At this point, the total deaths near GHF centers has increased to 223, with the total injuries rising to 1,858. There were a total of 60 killed by the IDF on 11 June.{{Cite news |title=Israel cuts Gaza internet as dozens more aid seeker killed |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/least-60-palestinians-killed-israel-while-seeking-aid-gaza |work=Middle East Eye}} The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation meanwhile accused Hamas of killing eight of its aid workers, injuring 21 others, and possibly taking some hostage in an attack on a bus carrying over two dozen of its Palestinian staff west of Khan Yunis.{{Cite news |date=12 June 2025 |first1=Adam |last1=Rasgon |first2=Natan |last2=Odenheimer |title=Gaza Aid Group Says 8 Local Workers Killed and 21 Wounded |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/world/middleeast/israel-iran.html |access-date=12 June 2025 |work=The New York Times}} The Hamas-run police force of the Gaza Strip claimed that its Sahm unit killed 12 Popular Forces militants backed by Israel, publishing a video purportedly showing their bodies. The Popular Forces meanwhile claimed to have killed five Hamas militants.{{cite web |first1=Lazar |last1=Berman |first2=Emanuel |last2=Magid |first3=Nava |last3=Freiberg |title=Hamas police says it killed 12 members of Gaza's Israeli-backed Abu Shabab militia |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-police-says-it-killed-12-members-of-gazas-israeli-backed-abu-shabab-militia/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=12 June 2025 |access-date=13 June 2025 }}

On 12 June, 26 more people were killed by Israeli drone attacks while waiting near the aid distribution centres.{{cite web |title=Israeli strikes kill at least 52 across Gaza as UN demands ceasefire |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/12/israeli-strikes-kill-at-least-42-across-gaza-as-un-eyes-ceasefire-vote |work=Al Jazeera |date=12 June 2025 |access-date=13 June 2025 }} The total dead near GHF aid centers has risen to 245 and the wounded to 2,152 by this time.{{Cite news |title=Death Toll from Israeli Aggression on Gaza Rises to 55,207 |url=https://qna.org.qa/en/news/news-details?id=death-toll-from-israeli-aggression-on-gaza-rises-to-55207&date=12/06/2025 |work=Qatar News Agency}}

From 13 to 14 June, an additional 29 aid seekers were killed and over 380 were wounded by the IDF near aid distribution centers. The total number of aid seekers killed and wounded by the IDF has risen to 274 and 2,532 respectively.{{Cite news |title=Dozens killed while seeking food in Gaza |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/dozens-killed-while-seeking-food-gaza |work=Middle East Eye}}

At least 17 Palestinians were killed near GHF aid centers on 15 June. The Gaza Health Ministry likens the aid sites to "human slaughterhouses."{{Cite news |title=Israel kills 59 Palestinians in Gaza, many while trying to get aid |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/15/israel-kills-23-palestinians-in-gaza-half-of-them-while-trying-to-get-aid |work=Al Jazeera}}

On the morning of 16 June, 23 aid seekers were killed and 200 others were wounded near aid sites in Rafah according to medics.{{Cite news |last=Al-Mughrabi |first=Nidal |last2=Khaled |first2=Hatem |title=Fifty killed in Gaza, many trying to reach food, as UN denounces Israeli-backed aid system |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/40-killed-gaza-many-trying-reach-food-un-denounces-israeli-backed-aid-system-2025-06-16/ |work=Reuters}} By this time, at least 338 people have been killed, at least 2,831 injured and nine missing at sites since May 27.{{Cite news |last=Aladam |first=Mera |title=More than 330 Palestinians killed by Israel since start of lethal US-backed aid scheme |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-kills-over-300-aid-seekers-start-lethal-us-distribution-system |work=Middle East Eye}}

On 17 June, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli troops killed 59 and injured 221 others, with witnesses reporting that Israeli soldiers, tanks, and drones fired onto civilians and at least two Israeli shells landed in the middle of the crowd, describing the attacks as a "massacre". This was the deadliest of the killings that have occurred near aid distribution centers in Khan Yunis, Gaza.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2025 |title=Witnesses describe Israeli ‘massacre’ at Gaza food site |url=https://aje.io/gn5i1t?update=3780930 |website=Al Jazeera}}{{cite web|title= Israeli forces shoot dozens as Gaza aid site killings multiply|url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/17/israeli-soldiers-shoot-dozens-in-latest-massacre-at-gaza-aid-sites|website=Al Jazeera|date=17 June 2025|access-date=17 June 2025}}{{cite web|title= Israeli forces kill 51 Palestinians waiting for flour at Gaza aid site, witnesses and rescuers say|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74zj9kv2xjo.amp|website=BBC News|date=17 June 2025|last=Usher|first=Sebastian|access-date=17 June 2025}} According to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the incident occurred near the United Nations World Food Programme distribution centre.{{Cite news |last=Al-Mughrabi |first=Nidal |last2=Khaled |first2=Hatem |title=Israeli tanks kill 59 people in Gaza crowd trying to get food aid, medics say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-tank-shelling-kills-45-people-awaiting-aid-trucks-gaza-ministry-says-2025-06-17/ |work=Reuters}} The IDF admitted firing in the area and issued a statement saying that, "The details of the incident are under review."{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Jason |last2=Tantesh |first2=Malak |title=Witnesses describe ‘horror’ after Israeli forces fire at Palestinians waiting for aid trucks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/17/dozens-killed-in-gaza-waiting-for-food-trucks-says-health-ministry |access-date=17 June 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=17 June 2025}} The total deaths at aid sites has subsequently increased to 397 with over 3,000 wounded.

On June 18, at least 12 more Palestinians were killed and 72 wounded by Israeli fire while waiting for aid trucks according to a spokesperson for al-Aqsa hospital.{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Jason |last2=Tantesh |first2=Malak |title=Israeli forces kill 11 Palestinians awaiting food trucks, say Gaza officials |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/israeli-forces-kill-injure-palestinians-food-trucks-gaza-officials |access-date=18 June 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=18 June 2025}}{{Cite news |title=At least 12 Palestinians killed waiting for aid in Gaza, say medics |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ep17gyzrzo |work=BBC}} The total number of Palestinian aid seekers killed increased to over 400.{{Cite news |title=UN rights office ‘horrified’ by deadly violence at Gaza food distribution sites |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1164551 |work=UN News}}

On June 19, rescuers and medics reported that Israeli forces wounded 60 and killed 12 Palestinians waiting for aid near a GHF's site in central Gaza, despite GHF's denial and IDF's claim that it fired "warning shots" at approaching "suspects" in Netzarim.

On June 20, witnesses and medics reported that Israeli tanks and drones fired at thousands of Palestinian aid seekers, of whom 23 were killed and over 100 wounded, near a GHF site in central Gaza, despite GHF's denial and IDF's claim it fired "warning shots" at gathering Palestinians and its admission that one IDF aircraft struck some approaching "suspects".{{cite-news|work= BBC|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0vgerp402o|title= Israeli military kills 23 Palestinians near aid site in Gaza, witnesses and medics say|last= Abu Alouf|first= Rushdi}}

According to the Palestinian Civil Defence, eight people were killed by IDF gunfire on June 21. By this time, the total number of people killed at aid sites has risen to 450 and the number wounded to 3,466.{{Cite news |title=Gaza rescuers say Israeli fire kills 8 near aid centres, 4 others |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250621-gaza-rescuers-say-israeli-fire-kills-8-near-aid-centres-4-others |work=France 24}}

• {{Flag|European Union}}: On the day after the 27 May incident, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized the aid mechanism run by the GHF, saying it does not support "any kind of privatization of the distribution of humanitarian aid".{{Cite web |last1=Al Sawalhi |first1=Mohammad |last2=Dahman |first2=Ibrahim |last3=Salman |first3=Abeer |last4=Lister |first4=Tim |last5=Liebermann |first5=Oren |date=2025-05-29 |title=Israel faces growing condemnation as Gaza aid distribution devolves into chaos |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/29/middleeast/israel-condemnation-gaza-aid-distribution-intl |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=CNN |language=en}}
• {{Flag|Israel}}: IDF spokesman Effie Defrin accused Hamas of "spreading rumors" and "trying bluntly and violently to stop the people of Gaza" from reaching aid.
• {{Flag|United States}}: US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused news outlets of "reckless and irresponsible reporting", saying that "the only source for these misleading, exaggerated, and utterly fabricated stories came from Hamas."

• Doctors Without Borders reported that they received people wounded in the attacks and called it a "massacre" and stated that "along with displacement orders and bombing campaigns that kill civilians, weaponising aid in this manner may constitute crimes against humanity".{{cite web |date=June 1, 2025 |title=Dozens of Palestinians massacred at US-Israel backed food distribution sites |url=https://www.msf.org/dozens-palestinians-massacred-us-israel-backed-food-distribution-sites |access-date=June 2, 2025 |website=Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International}}

• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he was "appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid" and called for an independent investigation into the killings of Palestinians.
• UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the incident as "undignified" and "unsafe", as well as "a distraction from atrocities". UN aid coordination office spokesperson Jens Laerke also criticized the GHF plan as "a distraction from what is actually needed, which is a reopening of all the crossings into Gaza, a secure environment within Gaza and faster facilitation of permissions and final approvals of all the emergency supplies that we have just outside the border."{{Cite web |author1=Mohammad Al Sawalhi |author2=Jeremy Diamond |author3=Kareem Khadder |author4=Abeer Salman |date=2025-05-27 |title=Chaos erupts on first day of US-backed aid distribution in Gaza after weeks of hunger |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/27/middleeast/gaza-aid-distribution-chaos-ghf-intl-latam |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=CNN |language=en}}
• The UNICEF criticized the US-backed, Israel-backed, GHF-run aid distribution system for worsening "a desperate situation".

• The Center for Constitutional Rights warned the GHF that it could be legally liable for complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against Palestinians. They said Israel was using "the denial of food, water, and other basic necessities to carry out its genocide against the Palestinian population of Gaza."

• Flour Massacre
• Humanitarian aid during the Gaza war
• Israeli blockade of aid delivery to the Gaza Strip
• World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack

{{Reflist}}

{{Gaza war}}

Category:2025 in the Gaza Strip

Category:2025 mass shootings in Asia

Category:Civilians killed in the Israel–Hamas war

Category:Gaza Strip humanitarian crisis

Category:Massacres in the Gaza Strip

Category:Israeli massacres of Palestinians

Category:2025 massacres of the Gaza war

Category:Israeli war crimes in the Gaza war

Category:May 2025 in Asia

Category:June 2025 in Asia