At least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 injured near an aid distribution site west of Rafah on Sunday, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The ministry said the victims were shot in the head or chest, which it claims indicates a deliberate intent by Israel to “cruelly kill civilians.” Humanitarian organization Red Crescent reported that its field hospital in Rafah received 179 cases, including women and children, most of whom sustained gunshot or shrapnel injuries.
The Israeli military denied Hamas’ allegations. In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that “findings from an initial inquiry indicate the IDF did not fire at civilians near or within the humanitarian aid distribution site, and that reports to the contrary are false.”
“The matter is still under investigation,” it added.
False reports have been spread In recent hours, including serious allegations against the IDF regarding fire toward Gazan residents in the area of the humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza.
Findings from an initial inquiry indicate that 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗗𝗙 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 1, 2025
The IDF released drone footage it claims shows gunmen firing at civilians and accused Hamas of orchestrating the attack. “Hamas is doing everything in its power to prevent the successful distribution of food in Gaza,” the IDF wrote on X.
🚨🇵🇸The Israeli Defense Forces have released drone footage showcasing masked gunmen firing and hurling rocks toward Gazans who attempted to pick up aid as part of the new distribution system.#Breaking #Gaza pic.twitter.com/SuQUrrOhem
— גשש צבאי (@tzvai_tracker) June 1, 2025
The aid center is operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new group supported by Israel and the United States. In a statement, the GHF said the aid was delivered without incident and called the reports of deaths “false and fabricated.”
Looting and deaths were reported at some aid distribution sites in Gaza last week, shortly after GHF began opening locations across the region, including Rafah and Khan Younis, following a three-month blockade.
