At least 35 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded Thursday when Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid near the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as the death toll near aid centers continues to climb.

Growing Death Toll Near Aid Distribution Points

According to medical sources at al-Awda Hospital, the victims had gathered for food aid distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The same day, Israeli jets bombed a home west of Deir el-Balah, killing at least 8 others.

Since May 27, when the U.S.- and Israeli-backed GHF began operations, over 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed and 3,200 wounded while attempting to access aid, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.

UN Slams GHF Distribution as Dangerous

The United Nations has criticized the GHF’s role, calling it a “failure” for not securing safe access to food and water. UNICEF warned that Gaza faces a man-made drought, with just 40% of drinking water facilities operational. “Children will begin to die of thirst,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said.

Elder also shared accounts of children and women being injured while seeking food, including a boy who was fatally wounded by a tank shell.

Aid Chaos Amid Communication Collapse

Confusion about distribution times has added to the tragedy. With internet access largely cut, many civilians receive outdated or incorrect information about aid site openings, increasing the likelihood of mass-casualty events.

On Wednesday, the GHF claimed it had distributed 3 million meals “without incident,” but field reports show recurring attacks on large crowds near its centers.