Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed 41 Palestinians across Gaza on Wednesday, most while they gathered at or approached U.S.-backed aid sites, according to Gaza's health officials.

Dozens killed while seeking food near Netzarim and Rafah

Medical sources at Gaza’s Shifa and Al-Quds Hospitals confirmed that 25 people were killed near the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim while attempting to access food aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Another six were fatally shot in Rafah later the same day, raising the toll to 41.

“These are civilians, desperate for aid, being fired at as they search for food,” a health official told Reuters. Nearly 1,000 others have been wounded at similar sites since the foundation began operations two weeks ago, following a three-month Israeli blockade.

IDF says suspects posed threat in combat zone

The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots overnight near Netzarim, claiming the individuals posed a threat despite “clear warnings that the area is an active combat zone.” An army spokesperson added: “The IDF is aware of reports regarding individuals injured; the details are under review.”

This is the second consecutive day with fatalities near GHF facilities, following 17 deaths on Tuesday in Rafah. On both days, the military said it was targeting suspects advancing toward troops.

Humanitarian response under strain as UN slams killings

The UN condemned the attacks, stating that Gaza remains on the brink of famine. “There is not yet enough food to feed everyone in need in Gaza,” the GHF said in response to Reuters inquiries. The foundation emphasized that “more aid will create more certainty and less urgency among the population.”

Meanwhile, the UN and other major aid organizations continue to refuse cooperation with the GHF’s model, which uses private contractors under Israeli military protection, citing humanitarian neutrality concerns.

Ceasefire hopes fade amid unrelenting violence

As efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire stall, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that there had been “significant progress” in hostage negotiations but warned against premature optimism. Hamas sources told Reuters they were unaware of any new truce proposal.

Since October 7, when Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, Israel's offensive has reportedly killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, in the densely populated enclave of over two million people.