An Israeli strike near an aid distribution point in Rafah, Gaza killed at least 31 people and injured dozens more on Sunday, according to Gaza health officials. The site was run by the U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), and the incident has intensified tensions just as truce talks between Israel and Hamas begin to falter.
Paramedics and witnesses reported Israeli gunfire near a crane and tank fire toward crowds collecting food. The Palestinian Red Crescent said they retrieved 23 bodies and treated 23 injured near the Rafah site. Fourteen others were injured at a separate GHF aid site in central Gaza.
GHF and Israeli officials denied the incident occurred near their aid operations, with GHF labeling reports “fabricated.” Meanwhile, Gaza authorities accused Israel of turning aid centers into “death traps.”
Families of victims mourned publicly, condemning what they called “massacres.” One woman, Reda Abu Jazar, said her brother was killed while collecting food. Another, Arafat Siyam, accused the Israeli military of deliberately targeting his sibling.
GHF, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has been widely criticized for exacerbating humanitarian tensions. Its former director resigned in May, citing lack of neutrality and external interference.
The deadly strike comes amid crumbling ceasefire negotiations. Hamas reportedly sought changes to a U.S.-backed proposal, while Israel insisted it had already accepted terms outlined by envoy Jason Witkoff. The proposal includes hostage releases and prisoner swaps, but Hamas is pushing for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—something Israel rejects.
The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians and displaced much of Gaza’s population, according to local officials.