At least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire near an aid distribution site in central Gaza, according to medical personnel at local hospitals. The incident occurred near a site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israel- and US-supported initiative located close to the Netzarim corridor.
Medical staff at Al-Awda and Al-Aqsa hospitals reported the fatalities, though the exact timing of the incident remains unclear. The report has not yet been independently verified, and neither the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) nor the GHF have issued comments regarding these claims.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, this incident contributes to a larger toll of at least 274 people killed and over 2,000 injured near aid distribution points since the GHF began operations in the enclave. These figures also await independent verification.
Military Zones and Civilian Confusion
Earlier this month, the IDF designated routes leading to GHF sites as closed military zones between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., warning civilians to stay away during those hours. However, GHF operations have reportedly continued during these restricted times in some instances, creating confusion for civilians on the ground.
The GHF has faced criticism from various quarters, including aid organizations, the United Nations, and multiple governments. Critics argue that the foundation's operations have failed to adequately address Gaza's humanitarian crisis and have potentially exposed civilians to unnecessary risks. Several deadly incidents have been reported near distribution zones in recent days.
Israeli authorities maintain that the GHF mechanism is essential to ensure humanitarian aid does not fall into the hands of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
BenriNews previously reported that the IDF had implemented restrictions around aid distribution sites, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding humanitarian efforts in the region.
This incident occurs amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where access to food, medicine, and essential supplies remains severely limited for the civilian population.
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