Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Gaza Aid Site, Killing 3 and Wounding Dozens

June 3, 2025

In the early hours of Monday, June 2, Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians and injuries to dozens more, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses. The incident occurred approximately one kilometer from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid hub in Rafah, a location that had witnessed a similar deadly episode just a day prior. Democracy Now!+4AP News+4AP News+4Haaretz+10Reuters+10Al Jazeera+10

Details of the Incident

Witnesses reported that around 5:30 a.m., a large crowd was moving toward the GHF aid distribution center when Israeli troops opened fire. The Israeli military stated that it had fired warning shots at individuals who approached its forces and posed a perceived threat. The army emphasized that the aid site was closed at the time and denied intentionally targeting civilians. Democracy Now!+8BBC+8AP News+8AP News+3The Guardian+3Star Tribune+3AP News

Moataz al-Feirani, a 21-year-old survivor receiving treatment at Nasser Hospital, recounted being shot in the leg as he walked with others toward the aid center. He noted that drones were overhead, filming the crowd. AP News

Previous Day's Tragedy

This incident follows a deadly event on Sunday, June 1, where at least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 170 injured near the same aid distribution site. Witnesses and health officials claimed that Israeli forces fired on crowds gathering for food aid. The Israeli military denied responsibility, suggesting that Hamas operatives may have been involved. France 24+15Reuters+15AP News+15CBS News

The International Committee of the Red Cross reported receiving 179 casualties from the Sunday incident, many with gunshot or shrapnel wounds. The organization expressed concern over the safety of civilians seeking humanitarian aid. AP News+2Reuters+2BBC+2BBC

Humanitarian Concerns

The GHF, an aid distribution initiative backed by Israel and the United States, has faced criticism from the United Nations and major aid organizations. Critics argue that the GHF's operations bypass established humanitarian channels and fail to meet the urgent needs of Gaza's population, which is experiencing severe food insecurity and famine conditions due to a prolonged blockade. YouTube+6Reuters+6Reuters+6AP News+3AP News+3Reuters+3

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and called for an independent investigation into the incidents. He emphasized the need for accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. AP News+1Reuters+1

Ongoing Conflict

The recent shootings near aid distribution sites underscore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 54,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, including a significant number of women and children. Israel maintains that its military operations target Hamas militants, who it claims are embedded within civilian areas. CBS News+8AP News+8The Times+8Reuters+3AP News+3The Times+3Courthouse News+1AP News+1

As international pressure mounts, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar involved. However, mutual distrust and differing demands have stalled progress, leaving the humanitarian situation in Gaza increasingly dire. Reuters+1Reuters+1

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