At least nine Palestinian civilians were killed and dozens injured on Thursday while waiting for humanitarian aid in northern Rafah and central Gaza. According to medical sources and eyewitnesses, Israeli forces opened fire near aid distribution centers, marking yet another deadly episode in Gaza’s deepening humanitarian catastrophe.

Five of the victims were shot near an aid center north of Rafah, while four others were killed in central Gaza. These attacks occurred in areas where civilians had gathered in large numbers, hoping to receive food and basic supplies amid widespread famine and displacement.

The total number of Palestinians killed since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign on October 7, 2023, has now surpassed 61,258, with more than 152,045 wounded, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. These figures include thousands of children, women, and elderly civilians.

Beyond the violence, starvation is claiming lives at an alarming rate. At least 198 people, including 96 children, have died due to famine and severe malnutrition, exacerbated by the blockade and the collapse of Gaza’s food distribution systems.

Over 11,800 civilians have been injured while attempting to access humanitarian aid. Many of these injuries occurred near distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial system backed by Israel and the U.S., which has been linked to over 1,373 deaths since May.

The GHF has come under intense scrutiny for its militarized approach to aid delivery. Civilians are funneled into fenced zones resembling military compounds, guarded by armed contractors and Israeli troops. Human rights groups argue this setup violates humanitarian norms and endangers lives.

“It’s the same daily episode,” said Yahia Youssef, a survivor near the Netzarim corridor. He described scenes of panic, gunfire, and wounded civilians bleeding on the ground. Similar testimonies have emerged from Rafah and Khan Younis, where Israeli forces reportedly fired on unarmed crowds.

More than 170 NGOs, including Save the Children and Oxfam, have called for the dismantling of the GHF system. The United Nations has condemned the scheme, stating it fails to uphold humanitarian principles and subjects civilians to daily violence.

Children are disproportionately affected. In addition to those killed by malnutrition, many have been injured or traumatized while seeking aid. Schools and shelters have been bombed, and safe zones are virtually nonexistent. The psychological toll is immeasurable.

The humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza has collapsed. Aid trucks are often looted before reaching distribution points, and airdrops have proven inadequate and dangerous. Experts warn that Gaza is experiencing a “worst-case scenario of famine”.

The GHF was launched as an alternative to UN-led aid efforts, which Israel accused of enabling Hamas—claims not substantiated by evidence. Critics argue the GHF is a political tool designed to placate international pressure while maintaining control over aid access.

Humanitarian leaders and rights advocates are urging a return to community-based, demilitarized aid distribution. The tragedy of Thursday underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, civilian-centered response that prioritizes safety, dignity, and access to life-saving resources.

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