Key Points
- At least 15 killed near aid distribution points in Gaza
- Gaza death toll surges to 55,297 as Israel intensifies attacks
- UN condemns operations of US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
- Israel’s military campaign displaces approximately 90% of Gaza’s residents
GAZA: At least 27 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Saturday, including 15 civilians gathered to seek humanitarian aid.
The attacks struck multiple areas across Gaza, with some of the deadliest incidents reported in the central region.
At least 15 Palestinians were killed and many others injured near aid distribution points, in what is the latest in a series of deadly assaults targeting those seeking humanitarian assistance.
According to local sources, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians gathered at aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—an initiative launched in late May in response to the near-total Israeli blockade. The United Nations has warned that the blockade has pushed the enclave’s 2.3 million residents to the brink of famine.
Since the GHF started operations, more than 274 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded while seeking food. The foundation, backed by the United States and Israel, employs private American military contractors and is overseen by Israeli forces.
UN condemns GHF’s operations
UN officials and humanitarian agencies have heavily criticised the GHF’s operations. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), called the model a “failure.”
“They are not doing what a humanitarian operation should do, which is providing aid to people where they are, in a safe and secure manner,” Laerke said at a press briefing on Friday.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) also condemned the model, labelling it “a recipe for chaos.” In a statement posted on X, the agency warned that it “weaponises aid and results in fear, discrimination, and growing desperation.”
UNRWA called for the blockade on Gaza to be lifted and for the UN to resume relief operations, stressing that “aid must be delivered safely and at scale.”
Gaza death toll rises to 55,297
According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 55,297 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of whom are reported to be women and children. The war has also injured 128,426 people in Gaza.
Since breaking a ceasefire in March 2025, Israeli forces have killed 5,014 Palestinians and injured 16,385 more, the authorities added.
Israel’s ongoing military campaign has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s estimated 2 million residents, triggered a severe hunger crisis, and caused widespread devastation throughout the territory.
