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Israeli Forces Kill 27 Palestinians Near Rafah Aid Distribution Site, 90 Injured
At least 27 Palestinians killed and 90 injured as Israeli forces open fire near Rafah aid site. UN calls for independent investigation amid ongoing violence.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-03
Israeli Forces Kill 27 Palestinians Near Rafah Aid Distribution Site, 90 Injured

Israeli forces have killed at least 27 Palestinians and injured around 90 more near an aid distribution site in Rafah, Gaza, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The deadly incident occurred early Tuesday at the Flag Roundabout, close to a humanitarian hub run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

This marks the third such deadly event near the Rafah aid site in as many days, with reports indicating that over 100 aid seekers have been killed since the GHF began operations on May 27. The GHF initiative, supported by the United States and Israel, has been controversial amid an 11-week blockade on Gaza, taking over much of the aid distribution previously managed by the United Nations and other agencies.

The Israeli military stated it opened fire after “a number of suspects” deviated from designated routes toward the aid site. According to their statement, these individuals were approximately 500 meters from the distribution center. The military denied targeting civilians or preventing access to aid but confirmed it is investigating reports of casualties.

The Gaza Health Ministry’s Zaher al-Waheidi confirmed the death toll, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported treating 184 wounded at its Rafah field hospital. Among these, 19 arrived dead and eight died later from injuries. Verified video footage shows many injured being rushed to hospitals amid chaos.

Gaza authorities condemned the attacks as deliberate crimes, accusing Israeli forces of luring starving Palestinians to the aid centers and then opening fire. The total casualties at aid sites in Rafah and the nearby Netzarim Corridor since the GHF’s launch now stand at 102 killed and 490 injured.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded an immediate independent investigation, calling the targeting of aid seekers “unacceptable” and stressing the need for accountability.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes with indiscriminate gunfire from Israeli forces, who reportedly used drones and live ammunition. Many wounded suffered gunshot wounds to vital areas including the chest and head.

Locals reported that despite the dangers, Palestinians continued to risk their lives to obtain food and aid. Rasha al-Nahal told the Associated Press that shots were fired in all directions and that there was no aid available at the distribution site when she arrived. Another witness, Neima al-Aaraj, said she would not return, resigned to the deadly risks.

This incident follows similar deadly shootings on Sunday and Monday near the same aid hub, raising alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis and violence in Gaza.

 
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Gaza

rafah

HumanRights

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