Israeli Troops Fire on Palestinians at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Hubs, Killing at Least 32

On July 19, 2025, at least 32 Palestinians were killed when Israeli troops opened fire on crowds seeking food at distribution hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in southern Gaza, according to witnesses and local health officials. The shootings, which occurred near Rafah and Khan Younis, have drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine looms amid ongoing conflict.

Chaos and Desperation at Aid Hubs

The incident unfolded in the early morning as thousands of Palestinians, driven by hunger, gathered near GHF food distribution sites. These hubs, backed by Israel and the United States, were established in May 2025 to replace the United Nations’ aid system, which Israel accused of being compromised by Hamas. However, the GHF operates only four distribution points compared to the UN’s 400, forcing desperate civilians to travel long distances through militarized zones to access limited food supplies.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as crowds surged toward the hubs. Mahmoud Mokeimar, a Palestinian witness, said Israeli troops fired warning shots before unleashing live ammunition on the crowd, killing at least three people he saw and wounding many others. Another witness, Akram Aker, reported that troops used machine guns mounted on tanks and drones, encircling and firing on civilians between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. The wounded were rushed to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which struggled to cope due to a lack of ambulances and medical resources.

A Controversial Aid System

The GHF’s aid distribution system has been criticized as inadequate and dangerous. Located in Israeli-controlled military zones, the hubs require Palestinians to navigate perilous routes patrolled by soldiers. The system was introduced after Israel imposed a nearly three-month blockade on Gaza from March to May 2025, severely restricting food and aid deliveries. While the blockade was partially lifted, the GHF’s limited capacity—distributing just 36,000 food boxes by early June—has failed to meet the needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, who face a catastrophic risk of famine.

The United Nations and major aid agencies have refused to cooperate with the GHF, arguing it lacks neutrality and prioritizes Israeli military objectives over humanitarian needs. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, called the hubs “death traps,” citing frequent violence. The UN disputes Israel’s claims that Hamas diverts aid, asserting that their tracing systems are effective.

A Pattern of Violence

The July 19 shootings are part of a recurring pattern of violence near GHF sites. Health officials and Gaza’s Civil Defence agency estimate that nearly 800 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured while seeking aid since late May. Previous incidents include the deaths of 31 people near Rafah on June 1, 27 on June 3, and 59 in Khan Younis on June 17. The UN human rights office has condemned the use of lethal force, warning that such actions may constitute war crimes, as most victims were unarmed civilians posing no threat.

The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots near Rafah, claiming a group of “suspects” ignored orders to stay back. It said the incident occurred when the hub was closed and is under investigation. However, witnesses and health officials insist the shootings targeted civilians approaching the sites.

Allegations of Misconduct

A former GHF security contractor told the BBC that he witnessed colleagues firing on unarmed Palestinians, including women and children, and described a culture of dehumanization where crowds were called “zombie hordes.” He alleged the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and stun grenades to control crowds. The GHF denied these claims, asserting that no shootings occurred at their sites and attributing any gunfire to Israeli forces. Posts on X have echoed these concerns, with unverified claims of artillery and naval fire targeting aid centers.

Broader Humanitarian Crisis

The shootings occur amid a 21-month war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, and devastated infrastructure, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The blockade and restricted aid have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, with food security experts warning of catastrophic consequences.

International criticism has mounted, with countries like Britain, France, and Canada condemning Israel’s actions. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, described the suffering as “unconscionable” and called for global action to end the conflict. Ceasefire talks mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have stalled, with a recent U.S. proposal for a 60-day truce making little progress.

Calls for Accountability

The July 19 incident has intensified calls for accountability and reform of the GHF system. Humanitarian groups argue that forcing civilians to navigate militarized zones for food is unsustainable and violates international law. The UN has urged Israel to allow safe, unfettered aid access, emphasizing that weaponizing food distribution is unacceptable.

As Gaza faces famine and ongoing violence, the international community is under pressure to protect civilians and address the root causes of the crisis. The loss of life at GHF hubs underscores the urgent need for a humanitarian system that prioritizes safety and dignity over political and military agendas.