Dozens shot dead and injured near Gaza aid hub, health ministry and doctors say

Dozens of Palestinians were killed near an aid distribution center in Gaza on Sunday. Eyewitnesses and Palestinian officials say Israeli troops opened fire, killing 31 and injuring more than 200. Israel denies its forces fired within or near the area.

The violence occurred at the “Al-Alam” roundabout, about 800 meters from a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution site in southern Gaza. Eyewitnesses told CNN that people were hit by gunfire while trying to reach aid.

The Israeli military said its troops did not shoot at civilians near the aid location. An Israeli source acknowledged warning shots were fired—about a kilometer away—hours before the site opened.

“This is the highest number of weapon-wounded in a single incident since the field hospital opened,” the International Committee of the Red Cross reported. They treated 179 victims, 21 of whom were dead on arrival.

Chaos has plagued the GHF's US-backed aid program since its launch. UN agencies have raised concerns, saying the operation risks further harming civilians and displacing already vulnerable people.

Dr. Ahmed Abu Sweid, working at Nasser Hospital, said many victims had gunshot wounds to the head and chest. “Some had shrapnel injuries too,” he added.

Thousands of Palestinians had gathered at the site before dawn. Many hoped to receive food ahead of the opening. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said no other medical personnel were present when gunfire began.

CNN footage showed people fleeing the area, many empty-handed. Survivors described a deadly scene.

“It’s not a humanitarian point — it’s a death trap,” one man said.

“We couldn’t even reach the place,” said Ghassan Eid Al-Aghan. “Heavy gunfire. I won’t risk my life to go.”

Mohammad Qdeih said gunfire erupted just before the gates were expected to open. “They’re sniping women, children, civilians — anyone,” he said.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, said the scene had become a “death trap.” He cited field reports of mass casualties caused by gunshots as people searched for food.

GHF officials disputed the claims. They released video showing crowds rushing the aid point but no clear signs of violence. The organization blamed Hamas for spreading what it called “fabricated reports.”

However, CNN could not verify who fired the shots. Foreign media are barred from Gaza, making independent confirmation difficult.

The GHF was formed amid Israeli allegations that Hamas was hijacking aid. Israel has not publicly provided evidence. Unlike UN agencies, the GHF does not screen aid recipients or follow a formal registration process.

Palestinians at the scene said aid was scarce and poorly organized. One man claimed only a few wooden boards of food were laid out before people were allowed to storm the site.

Abdul Majid Al-Zayti walked seven hours to reach the center. He left with nothing. “I have hungry children. No one wants to help them,” he said.

UN groups have long criticized the GHF. They warn the current model violates humanitarian principles and puts civilians at risk.

Since the GHF sites opened last week, at least 11 Palestinians had died before Sunday's incident. The program continues to expand despite the growing toll.

GHF said it delivered 16 truckloads of food on Sunday, amounting to over 887,000 meals. In the past six days, it claims to have delivered more than 4.7 million meals.

John Acree, GHF’s interim director, acknowledged the crisis is overwhelming. “We are the only organization delivering food securely right now,” he said. “But we face immense constraints, beyond our control.”

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