Israeli forces opened fire near a crowded aid distribution point in southern Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 27 Palestinians and wounding 90 more, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.

The shooting took place near the Flag Roundabout in Rafah, close to a distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It was the third deadly incident at aid hubs since May 27, when GHF began operations under a controversial system backed by the U.S. and Israel.

Gaza officials say over 100 aid seekers have died in this short period, with 490 others injured, as scenes of chaos, looting, and deadly gunfire engulfed the food queues.

Witnesses Describe Panic, No Aid on Arrival

Survivors described indiscriminate gunfire and confusion. “There was gunfire from all directions,” said Rasha al-Nahal, who found bodies on the road and said troops fired as people retreated without receiving aid. Neima al-Aaraj of Khan Younis said, “I won’t return. Either way, we will die.”

The Israeli army claimed it fired “near a few individual suspects” who deviated from regulated access routes, but denied targeting civilians or obstructing aid delivery.

UN and Red Cross Call for Accountability

The United Nations called for an immediate, independent investigation. “It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The Red Cross reported 184 wounded were brought to its Rafah field hospital; 19 were dead on arrival, and eight more died later.

Video footage verified by Al Jazeera’s Sanad team showed dozens of wounded being rushed to the hospital, many hit in the chest and head.