Israeli Strikes Kill 35 Near Aid Sites Gaza Strip

Israeli fire and airstrikes killed at least 35 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, with many casualties occurring near aid distribution sites operated by the Israeli- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Medics reported that at least 15 people were killed as they tried to approach a GHF aid distribution point near the Netzarim corridor, while others were struck at different locations, including Khan Yunis and northwest of Gaza City. The Gaza health ministry reported that since the GHF began operations in late May, over 274 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured near these aid sites, which the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies have heavily criticized as unsafe and militarized. The GHF, overseen by Israeli forces and involving private American military contractors, has been labeled a failure by UN officials and a cause of chaos and fear by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). In addition to attacks on aid seekers, Israeli forces launched shelling and drone strikes on residential areas and displaced people’s shelters, further escalating the death toll in the besieged enclave. Despite warnings by the Israel Defense Forces that some aid sites were closed and the area was an active combat zone, the strikes continue to prompt international concern over the safety and neutrality of humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza.