At least 18 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured after Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point in Gaza, according to hospital officials and Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The deadly incident occurred in the Netzarim Corridor, near a facility managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial NGO involved in distributing aid across the war-torn strip.
According to WAFA, the victims were struck as large crowds gathered to receive food and medical supplies amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disputed the Palestinian reports, stating that their troops only fired “warning shots” to deter individuals they described as posing a “threat” near an active combat zone in Wadi Gaza.
“IDF troops fired warning shots to distance suspects advancing in the Wadi Gaza area who posed a threat to forces, despite repeated warnings that this is an active combat zone,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
“We are aware of reports regarding injuries. Initial findings suggest the reported numbers do not align with our operational data.”
In total, at least 23 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning in various Israeli strikes, according to WAFA, with the number of wounded rising throughout the day.
Clashes near aid distribution points have become increasingly common in recent weeks, as limited access to food, clean water, and medical supplies has driven desperate civilians to risk their lives in search of relief.
The GHF, which has received support from both Israel and the United States, recently accused the militant group Hamas of intentionally disrupting aid efforts, claiming that the group has interfered with the safe delivery of food packages in northern Gaza.
Meanwhile, international calls for a ceasefire continue to grow, as humanitarian conditions in the enclave deteriorate further.