Deadly Violence at Gaza Aid Distribution Sites
Over 30 Palestinians were killed near food distribution hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U. S. – and Israeli-backed group, on July 19,
2025. According to Gaza health officials and eyewitnesses, Israeli troops opened fire toward crowds seeking food in southern Gaza, resulting in at least 32 deaths. Most casualties occurred near the Teina area, about two miles from a GHF center east of Khan Younis. Witnesses described indiscriminate firing by Israeli forces, including machine guns mounted on tanks and drones, between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving 25 bodies and dozens wounded, many shot in the head and chest. The violence highlights the ongoing deadly risks faced by Palestinians amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
U
S. Israeli Backed Aid Efforts Face Criticism. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched food distribution in late May 2025 with U. S. and Israeli government backing, aiming to replace the traditional U. N. – led aid system. Israeli and U. S. officials claim Hamas militants divert aid supplies, allegations denied by the U. N. Although GHF states it has distributed millions of meals, the chaotic scenes at its distribution centers and the deadly shootings have drawn criticism. The GHF denies that shootings occurred at or near its sites, attributing deaths to incidents far from the centers and before opening hours. The group also blamed a stampede that killed 20 people at one location on Hamas agitators but provided no evidence. Official statements from GHF emphasize warnings against traveling to sites overnight, yet the humanitarian situation remains volatile.
Israeli Military
Israeli Military Statement on Warning Shots and Investigations. The Israeli army confirmed firing warning shots near Rafah after groups approached troops and ignored calls to maintain distance. The military said it was investigating casualty reports but noted the incident happened overnight when aid centers were closed. Israeli forces claim they do not fire directly at crowds unless provoked, contradicting witness accounts of direct fire. The military also reported striking 90 targets in Gaza, killing militants and destroying terror infrastructure, amid ongoing conflict. This official position contrasts sharply with Palestinian eyewitnesses who described what they called a massacre, indicating a significant gap in narratives surrounding the event’s causes and consequences.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis and Food Insecurity
Gaza’s population of over 2 million is enduring a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with experts warning the territory is on the brink of famine. Food distribution under GHF has been marked by disorder: food boxes stacked on the ground, large crowds charging to secure supplies, and the use of tear gas and stun grenades by private security contractors to control crowds. Videos from a U. S. contractor working with GHF show gunshots and crowd control measures that exacerbate tensions. These conditions underscore the desperate need for food and the risks Palestinians face just to obtain basic sustenance amid the ongoing war and blockade.
Background of the Gaza Conflict and Ongoing War Casualties
The humanitarian crisis and violence in Gaza are rooted in the 21-month war triggered by Hamas militants’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1, 200 people and took 250 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military offensive has killed over 58, 000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, and displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza. The ministry reports that over half of the casualties are women and children but does not specify how many were militants. Despite being part of the Hamas government, the ministry’s data is considered by the U. N. and international organizations as the most reliable source on war casualties. Ceasefire talks mediated in Qatar have yet to produce breakthroughs, prolonging the conflict and worsening the humanitarian toll.
Impact of Political Leadership on the Gaza Situation
Since Donald Trump’s return to the U. S. presidency in November 2024, U. S. policy has continued to support Israeli security concerns while attempting to address humanitarian needs in Gaza through groups like GHF. However, the deaths of Palestinians near U. S. – backed aid sites complicate the administration’s position. Experts interviewed note the challenge of balancing support for Israel’s security with the urgent need to prevent civilian casualties and alleviate suffering in Gaza. The Trump administration has voiced alarm over escalating violence, but diplomatic efforts remain stalled, leaving millions of Gazans vulnerable amid ongoing military operations.
Medical Facilities Overwhelmed by Casualties
Hospitals in Gaza, such as Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties from shootings and airstrikes. Dr. Mohamed Saker, head of nursing at Nasser, reported receiving 70 wounded patients in a single day, many with critical injuries to the head and chest. The hospital’s intensive care units are stretched beyond capacity, and there is a severe shortage of medical supplies, complicating efforts to treat the wounded. Ambulance and emergency services in northern Gaza also confirm casualties from recent airstrikes. These medical challenges reflect the broader crisis facing Gaza’s health infrastructure amid sustained conflict and population displacement.
