According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, more than 1,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since May 2025, while attempting to access humanitarian food aid.
The deaths occurred near food distribution centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in cities like Rafah. Eyewitnesses and humanitarian groups claim that Israeli troops opened fire on crowds of civilians, many of whom were waiting for hours in long lines to receive basic supplies. While Israeli military officials have at times referred to the incidents as “warning shots,” the evidence suggests many of the shots were aimed directly at people.
Data from the GHF showed that by July 2, at least 580 people had been killed, with over 3,800 injured during food distribution events. However, Gaza’s Ministry of Health later reported the number of fatalities surpassed 1,000, all individuals who died trying to obtain food for themselves and their families.
This humanitarian disaster unfolds amid a prolonged Israeli blockade on Gaza, enforced since March 2025, leading to widespread famine, medical shortages, and continued bombardments across the region.
Why are these shootings happening at aid distribution sites?
Israeli authorities argue the shootings were responses to “disorderly behavior” or threats posed by crowds. However, the UN, human rights observers, and NGOs have condemned the incidents, claiming the use of starvation as a weapon of war, which could qualify as a war crime or crime against humanity under international law.
The revelations have sparked urgent calls for an independent international investigation. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza continue to face the dire reality where even seeking food can become a matter of life and death.
