At least 30 people lost their lives and over 115 were injured following an Israeli airstrike near an aid distribution site in Rafah, according to reports from the Palestinian news agency WAFA. The site was managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a relatively new organization providing relief to the region.
Israeli authorities have yet to release a statement on the incident. The strike has sparked renewed anger in Gaza, where many civilians depend heavily on humanitarian aid due to ongoing conflict and severe restrictions. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as people gathered for essential supplies when the explosion occurred.
GHF, which operates under partial cooperation with Israeli authorities, has drawn criticism from some within the Palestinian community who question the organization’s impartiality. There have also been concerns over its use of biometric identification and strict vetting measures, which some claim are designed to prevent aid from reaching individuals with alleged ties to Hamas.
This is not the first time violence has erupted near a GHF aid center. On May 28, Hamas reported that an earlier incident near a different distribution point left three people dead and 46 injured. At the time, GHF denied involvement, while the Israeli military claimed it had only fired warning shots to disperse crowds.
The humanitarian crisis in Rafah continues to deepen as access to food, water, and medical care becomes increasingly limited. Aid organizations have warned that ongoing violence near distribution centers could severely hinder relief efforts, putting more lives at risk.
With international attention still focused on Gaza, calls are growing louder for an independent investigation into the strike and for stronger protections for aid workers and civilians. Meanwhile, many residents are bracing for further violence as they continue to struggle for survival amid intensifying military operations.