Rafah, Gaza Strip / Tel Aviv For the third consecutive day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday that its troops opened fire on individuals approaching from outside designated corridors near a humanitarian aid distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza. The incident occurred approximately 500 meters (550 yards) from the official distribution area.
According to health officials in Gaza, at least 27 people were killed and dozens more were injured in the latest incident. These figures, provided by authorities in the Hamas-administered territory, could not be independently verified. Gaza-based media outlets also reported that hospitals had received casualties allegedly wounded while waiting for aid—though official confirmation remains pending.
IDF Statement and Ongoing Investigation
In a statement, the IDF said its troops had observed several individuals approaching the area from outside the pre-approved humanitarian corridor. Despite initial warning shots, the individuals reportedly continued to advance, prompting additional fire near them.
“IDF troops do not prevent the arrival of Gaza residents to aid distribution sites. The shooting occurred approximately half a kilometer away from the distribution point, directed at individuals posing a perceived threat to the forces,” the statement read.
The IDF added that it is reviewing reports of civilian casualties and has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the engagement.
Red Cross and Humanitarian Accounts
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 184 patients were brought to its field hospital in Rafah on Tuesday. Of those, 27 were declared dead on arrival, while 35 required immediate emergency care. Some of the wounded reportedly exhibited no vital signs upon arrival.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a joint U.S.- and Israeli-supported initiative responsible for coordinating aid deliveries—confirmed that its operations on Tuesday morning proceeded without incident at the distribution site.
“We distributed 21 truckloads of food this morning, totaling 20,160 boxes,” GHF said in a statement. “This occurred within our secure perimeter, and we advise civilians to remain within the designated safe corridor to avoid danger.”
GHF added that it recognized the difficult conditions on the ground and emphasized that the individuals affected in the shooting appeared to be well outside the secured operations zone, in what it termed a “closed military area.”
Context and Preceding Incidents
Tuesday’s shooting marks the third such report since Sunday. According to Hamas officials and aid groups, 31 Palestinians were killed on Sunday, and three more on Monday, in similar incidents. The IDF has categorically denied targeting civilians, calling the initial claims “fabrications” and reiterating that any firing was conducted at individuals in unauthorized zones after warnings were issued.
An Israeli military official previously confirmed that warning shots were fired on both Sunday and Monday at individuals approximately one kilometer from aid sites.
The ICRC stated that on Sunday and Monday alone, 229 individuals injured by gunfire or shrapnel were treated at its Rafah field hospital.
Aid Distribution Under Strain
Since launching operations over a week ago, the GHF says it has distributed more than 7 million meals through its three main aid centers across southern and central Gaza. The aid consists primarily of dry food kits, which require either household cooking facilities or access to one of the few remaining community kitchens—both of which are scarce due to the devastating conflict that has gripped Gaza for nearly 20 months.
As humanitarian organizations warn of a looming catastrophe, calls are mounting for greater protection of civilians and safe, unrestricted access to aid. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as the IDF continues its inquiry.
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