At Least 12 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes, Including Near U.S.-Backed Aid Centers in Gaza
Israeli gunfire and airstrikes kill multiple civilians near Gaza aid distribution points; UN condemns the Israeli-backed system as unsafe and politically compromised.
Watan-Gaza health authorities reported that at least 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the strip on Sunday. Among them, five were killed near two food aid distribution centers operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Relief Foundation.
Medics at Al-Awda Hospital, located in central Gaza, confirmed that at least three people were killed and dozens more injured by Israeli fire as they attempted to reach an aid distribution site near the Netzarim Corridor, managed by the Gaza Relief Foundation.
Two others were killed while on their way to another aid center in Rafah, southern Gaza.
Separately, medics reported that an Israeli airstrike killed seven people in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.
There has been no official comment yet from the Israeli military.
The Gaza Relief Foundation began distributing food aid in late May, after Israel partially lifted a near-total blockade that had been in place for nearly three months.
However, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in near-daily shootings as they attempt to access food and humanitarian supplies.
The United Nations has criticized the new Israeli-approved distribution system, calling it inadequate, dangerous, and a violation of humanitarian neutrality. UN officials have warned that the model places civilians at unnecessary risk and undermines the principles of independent aid operations.