Israeli Airstrikes Claim 60 Lives in Gaza, Many Victims Found Close to Humanitarian Aid Center, According to Medical Sources

In a tragic escalation, Israeli gunfire and airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza. Most of the casualties occurred near an aid site operated by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), located in the heart of the enclave, as reported by local health officials.

Medical teams at Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals confirmed that at least 25 individuals lost their lives, with many more injured, as they approached a food distribution center close to the now-abandoned Jewish settlement of Netzarim shortly before dawn. The Israeli military, engaged in conflict with Hamas militants since October 2023, stated that its forces had fired warning shots toward a group they deemed a threat to troops in the Netzarim Corridor.

As the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) noted, “This is despite warnings that the area is an active combat zone. The IDF is aware of reports regarding individuals injured; the details are under review.” Such complexities highlight the harrowing conditions on the ground.

GHF Renews Accusations Against Hamas

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has accused Hamas of a deliberate attack on a bus transporting its personnel to an aid distribution site. According to GHF, at least five members were killed and multiple others sustained injuries during the assault.

In a statement, GHF expressed, “Around 10 PM local time, a bus carrying more than two dozen Gaza Humanitarian Foundation team members was brutally attacked by Hamas.” They added, “We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating: there are at least five fatalities, multiple injuries, and fear that some of our team members may have been taken hostage.” All passengers on the bus were identified as Palestinian aid workers.

“We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms,” the GHF statement asserted. “These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons, and friends—individuals risking their lives daily to assist others.” This chilling reminder of the perils faced by aid workers underscores the need for increased protection in conflict zones.

Concerns Surrounding Humanitarian Efforts

The GHF, a private effort with elusive funding and Israeli backing, began operations on May 26 after Israel halted supplies to Gaza for an extensive period, leading to urgent warnings of impending famine.

Allegations have surfaced regarding the Israeli military’s behavior during civilian gatherings seeking aid packages near GHF sites. Although Israeli authorities and GHF—collaborating with contracted U.S. security—denied such incidents, the United Nations and major aid organizations have refused to work with the foundation, citing concerns over its alignment with Israeli military objectives.

In response to inquiries, GHF stated, “Ultimately, the solution is more aid, which will create more certainty and less urgency among the population. Currently, there is not enough food to feed everyone in need in Gaza. Our focus remains on providing as many safe meals as possible within this volatile environment.”

Latest Updates on Humanitarian Aid

Recently, GHF reported distributing an impressive 2.5 million meals—the largest single-day delivery since its inception—bringing its total to over 16 million meals since operations began in late May. Yet, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has recorded that at least 163 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,000 injured while pursuing food aid.

In a broader context, the United Nations has condemned these killings and declined to supply aid through the foundation, labeling its operations as breaches of humanitarian standards. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reported further casualties from separate Israeli actions, with at least 11 additional fatalities recorded in recent days.

This war, which erupted nearly 20 months ago following a shocking attack by Hamas-led militants that took 251 hostages and resulted in 1,200 deaths on October 7, 2023—making it Israel’s deadliest day—has seen nearly 55,000 Palestinians lose their lives, predominantly civilians. Much of the densely populated area, home to over two million individuals, has been devastated, leading to widespread displacement and malnutrition.

On a note of cautious optimism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked on Tuesday regarding the “significant progress” being made to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, though he cautioned that it is still “too soon” to clarify the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Yet, two Hamas sources conveyed to Reuters that they were unaware of any breakthrough in ongoing negotiations.

In these distressing times, it is crucial to hold close to our compassion and commitment to supporting those affected by this ongoing crisis.