UN: Israeli-Backed Gaza Aid a ‘Death Trap’ After 46 Killed
Dozens were killed in two separate incidents near aid points in Gaza as UN officials condemned the current distribution setup, calling it unsafe and inhumane.
At least 46 Palestinians have been killed and more than 150 injured near food distribution points in central and southern Gaza, according to hospitals and local rescue teams. The incidents happened during separate aid gatherings, triggering widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of Israel’s military-linked humanitarian system.
Civilians caught in deadly fire
Eyewitnesses say Israeli forces opened fire on large crowds gathered at distribution points managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The strikes took place in the village of Kfardjal and an area north of Rafah, both in zones where civilians had lined up to receive food supplies.
One man described the moment as terrifying: “There was no warning. Tanks moved in and suddenly fired on everyone,” said Hatem Abu Rjileh, who had been waiting since early morning. “People were bleeding all around me. We could only carry one person and leave the rest.”
In Nuseirat’s al-Awda Hospital, disturbing footage showed hallways packed with the wounded, beds full, and casualties lying on the floor. A widow cradled her husband, one of the victims, as medical staff tried to make space for more arrivals.
Israel responds, says incidents are under review
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops had identified a large crowd near their operations in the Netzarim corridor, but said details of what happened were still under investigation. As for the Rafah strike, the IDF claimed it was not aware of such an incident taking place.
Meanwhile, the GHF denied any clashes or issues near its aid centers that morning.
UN calls aid system “a death trap”
The United Nations and aid groups have condemned the GHF’s role in Gaza. Though it's labeled a private organization, the foundation is widely believed to be supported by the US and Israel and uses armed contractors for operations.
Top UN officials say the system is unsafe and humiliating for Palestinians.
“This mechanism is an abomination,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). “It is a death trap costing more lives than it saves.”
Thameen al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, said that using food as a tool during war may amount to a war crime under international law.
Aid still falling short as famine looms
Since the blockade was eased last month, GHF has distributed over 41 million meals, according to its figures. But UN agencies have refused to work with the group, saying its structure violates humanitarian standards.
Some international aid is still getting through. On Saturday, World Central Kitchen confirmed that food trucks had finally reached their team after 12 weeks of no access, allowing cooking to resume at select kitchens.
Still, aid workers say the overall supply is far from enough, and Gaza remains dangerously close to famine. Many residents say they’re forced to choose between hunger and risking their lives.
“I won’t go near the aid sites anymore,” said Mahmoud al-Ghura, a father of four. “We call them death zones now. My son is already gone. I’m not risking my life for a bag of flour.”