At least 25 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in the early hours of Sunday, June 1, when Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on a crowd approaching an aid distribution hub in the Gaza Strip. According to eyewitnesses and local health officials, the shooting occurred near the Flag Roundabout, approximately one kilometer from a site managed by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Survivors described a barrage of gunfire from tanks, naval warships, and drones as people gathered before dawn to collect food aid. “There was fire from all directions,” said Amr Abu Teiba, one of the witnesses. The Israeli military, however, released a brief statement claiming it was unaware of any injuries caused by its troops and said the incident remains under review.

Chaos has repeatedly marred the aid delivery system operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which distributes supplies in Israeli-controlled military zones where access for independent observers is limited. The Foundation insists Sunday’s aid convoy of 16 trucks was delivered “without incident” and denies reports of gunfire and fatalities. However, reports from nearby Red Cross-operated field hospitals suggest otherwise, with over 175 people reportedly injured and numerous eyewitness accounts pointing to direct military engagement. Eyewitnesses like Mohammed Abu Teaima reported seeing his cousin and another woman fatally shot as they approached the site, adding that heavy gunfire came from just 300 meters away.

This incident further escalates tensions surrounding a controversial new aid delivery system, backed by Israel and the United States, which bypasses the United Nations and local humanitarian groups. Critics argue that this approach violates international humanitarian standards, allowing Israel to dictate aid access and forcing displaced civilians to gather at predetermined, militarized locations. The UN and major aid organizations have refused to participate, citing risks of mass displacement and lack of safety guarantees. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, over 54,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, and nearly 90% of the population displaced, with humanitarian experts warning of imminent famine without increased and secure aid access.