Deadly chaos: Israeli forces kill 51 Palestinians at Gaza aid site

More than 51 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured after Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, according to local witnesses and emergency responders.

The incident occurred near Khan Younis, where large crowds had gathered in hopes of receiving humanitarian assistance.

The Hamas-controlled civil defense agency in Gaza reported that Israeli troops fired directly at civilians gathered near an aid center, causing mass casualties.

Over 200 individuals were reportedly wounded in the attack, which appears to be one of the deadliest in a recent series of similar incidents at food distribution points across Gaza.

The Israeli military, when contacted by the BBC, confirmed it was aware of the reports and stated that the situation was under investigation.

Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic and terrifying scene.

A local journalist and other witnesses said two missiles, believed to have been launched by Israeli drones, struck the area.

It was followed soon after by shellfire from an Israeli tank stationed approximately 400 to 500 meters away.

The blasts reportedly hit near a key junction to the east of Khan Younis, close to a World Food Programme (WFP) distribution site and a community kitchen.

Thousands of Palestinians had been waiting in the area, hoping to collect flour and other supplies, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate under the ongoing conflict.

The location was along a major route leading to Bani Suheila, a part of Gaza that has witnessed sustained Israeli military activity for weeks.

Nasser Hospital, the main operational medical facility in Khan Younis, was quickly overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.

Due to overcrowding, many of the injured had to be treated while lying on the floor, as medical staff struggled to manage the crisis with limited resources.

In an official statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that a large group of people had gathered near an aid truck that had become immobilized in the area.

The IDF said its soldiers were operating nearby and confirmed it was “aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals from IDF fire following the crowd’s approach.”

The military has launched an internal review of the incident.

This attack is the latest in a string of violent episodes near humanitarian distribution zones in Gaza, which have become increasingly dangerous despite the growing need for aid.

Daily clashes and shootings near such sites have raised serious international concern.

On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, strongly criticized Israel’s conduct and called for a thorough investigation.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Türk accused Israel of using food as a weapon and denounced the devastating impact of the military campaign on civilians.

“Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza,” Türk said.

He urged for immediate accountability for the violence taking place around aid deliveries.

The situation in Gaza has grown increasingly dire, with access to food, water, and medical care becoming more limited by the day.

Aid organizations have repeatedly warned that distribution efforts are being severely hampered by ongoing hostilities and the unpredictable threat of violence.

Israel’s military campaign, which began in response to Hamas-led attacks, has led to widespread destruction across Gaza.

Khan Younis, one of the hardest-hit regions, continues to be a focal point for Israeli ground operations and airstrikes.

Civilians caught in the crossfire are suffering the brunt of the crisis, especially in southern areas where displaced families have gathered around aid sites.

This latest episode only underscores the peril faced by civilians seeking assistance, as well as the urgent need for stronger protections for humanitarian operations.

The international community continues to call for de-escalation and greater access for aid, but the situation on the ground remains volatile and deeply uncertain.

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