The Red Cross, operating a field hospital in Rafah, said it received 132 people with weapon-related injuries following gunfire near an aid distribution site. Among the injured, at least 25 were declared dead on arrival and six others died shortly after. “The overwhelming majority of patients sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to access food,” the organization said, calling it the worst day for casualties since the hospital began operating.

One grieving mother, Somia Alshaar, told Sky News that her 17-year-old son was shot in the chest while trying to collect flour and tahini. “Even if it kills me, I will get you flour,” were his last words to her before he left.

Israeli forces stated they identified “several suspects” approaching troops near Rafah and fired warning shots “hundreds of metres from the aid centre.” However, the IDF claimed no knowledge of any resulting injuries.

Accusations Of Deliberate Targeting

Hassan Omran, a paramedic with Gaza’s Ministry of Health, said: “The Israeli occupation is carrying out a policy of mass murder.” He reported that all casualties had gunshot wounds to vital areas, indicating intentional targeting. The paramedic described Gaza’s aid centres as having become “centres of mass death.”

Additional Israeli airstrikes on Deir al Balah and Khan Younis killed 28 more people, including four children and two women, according to medical officials at Al Aqsa Martyrs and Nasser Hospitals.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023—more than half of them women and children. Israel denies targeting civilians and has rejected genocide accusations.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that ceasefire talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue, though no breakthrough has been reported.