RAFAH, GAZA STRIP — July 19, 2025: At least 32 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others wounded on Saturday after Israeli forces opened fire near two humanitarian aid distribution points in southern Gaza, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses.

The deadly incident occurred near Rafah, as hundreds of civilians gathered early in the morning to collect food and supplies from aid centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.– and Israeli-backed relief initiative.

Eyewitnesses: “No Warning Shots”

Survivors and medical personnel described a scene of chaos and horror. Many claimed Israeli tanks and drones fired without warning as crowds moved toward the aid points. “We heard no warning, just gunfire and people dropping,” said Hamza Al-Khatib, a volunteer aid worker at the scene. “Some were hit in the head, others in the chest.”

Footage shared by local journalists shows bodies strewn across dirt roads, with panicked survivors using carts and wheelbarrows to carry the wounded. Several of the injured were women and children.

Israeli Military Response

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged its troops opened fire but claimed they used warning shots after individuals reportedly approached military positions and failed to heed verbal warnings.

A military spokesperson said the incident is under review, adding, “We are investigating reports of civilian casualties and are committed to minimizing harm during humanitarian operations.”

However, local and international observers argue that such deadly episodes near aid routes have become increasingly frequent.

Surge in Aid-Related Casualties

This marks one of the deadliest attacks involving civilians seeking aid since the war intensified earlier this year. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, nearly 875 Palestinians have died since early July in or near aid convoy zones, many due to live fire or stampedes triggered by aerial bombardments.

The latest killings have raised renewed concerns about the safety and neutrality of aid delivery mechanisms, especially as more distribution responsibilities shift to non-UN entities like the GHF. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) previously warned that bypassing traditional humanitarian channels could expose civilians to increased risk.

Global Reaction

Human rights groups and international bodies have condemned the attack, calling for an independent investigation. “Civilians must never be targets,” said Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA. “People were simply trying to survive—what they encountered was unjustifiable.”

No official statement has yet been issued by the United States or the European Union, both of which have backed alternative aid efforts in Gaza since early 2025.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens

Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. With over 70% of homes destroyed or uninhabitable, food scarcity, medical collapse, and the absence of safe zones have pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. Relief groups say current aid efforts remain insufficient, especially amid ongoing hostilities.

As of now, the bodies of the deceased have been moved to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where overwhelmed medical staff are treating dozens of wounded under extreme shortages of supplies and electricity.

Correction and Update: The death toll, initially reported at 26, was later revised to 32 as more victims succumbed to injuries. The number may rise further.