Hospitals in central Gaza have reported that at least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid distribution center, intensifying concerns over the safety of humanitarian access in the war-torn region.
According to medical staff at al-Aqsa and al-Awda hospitals, the victims were shot near a distribution point managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The site, backed by Israel and the United States, is situated within the Israeli-controlled Netzarim Corridor.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops fired warning shots at individuals they perceived as a potential threat. They also reported that an airstrike targeted a person who was advancing quickly toward soldiers. The military clarified that the GHF site had been closed until Sunday.
The situation has been further complicated by an ongoing internet blackout in Gaza, which has lasted more than two days, leaving civilians without access to critical updates. The disruption of communications has made it increasingly difficult to verify events and coordinate aid efforts.
Thousands of Palestinians have been camping near various aid sites, including the one in the Netzarim Corridor and three others in southern Gaza, hoping to secure food parcels whenever distribution resumes.
In a separate incident on Saturday, al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City confirmed that 12 people were fatally shot by Israeli forces while waiting for an aid convoy along the coastal road. The Israeli military has said it is investigating the report.
Gaza's health ministry, run by Hamas, stated that 29 people have been killed while seeking aid over the past two days alone. Since the GHF began operations two weeks ago, a total of 274 people have reportedly lost their lives during aid-related incidents.
Elsewhere in southern Gaza, overnight airstrikes in Khan Younis claimed the lives of at least 16 people, according to Nasser Hospital. While the Israeli military has not officially responded to these reports, it previously issued evacuation orders for Khan Younis and the surrounding towns of Abasan, Bani Suhaila, and al-Jadida. The IDF has warned residents to leave immediately as it conducts what it describes as an intensified campaign to "eliminate terrorist infrastructure."
There are growing fears that Nasser Hospital, which lies within the evacuation zone, may soon be unable to treat the influx of injured civilians—many of whom were wounded near aid distribution sites.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that the hospital is facing severe operational challenges. Although initial reports suggested a mass exodus of healthcare workers, the ICRC later clarified that about 10% of the staff had left the facility.
Dr. Feroze Sidwa, currently working at Nasser Hospital, urged the international community to act swiftly to ensure the hospital remains functional. He emphasized that international law mandates the protection of medical infrastructure and personnel.
Echoing that sentiment, Dr. Victoria Rose—who worked at the hospital in May—warned that the collapse of Nasser Hospital would have devastating consequences. “This is the only hospital in southern Gaza with critical care facilities, including an ICU, CT scanner, oxygen systems, dialysis, and a blood bank,” she said. “Without it, hundreds could die, and surgeries will be forced into makeshift tent facilities.”
Due to restrictions by the Israeli government, international news organizations—including the BBC—are not permitted to enter Gaza, making independent verification of events nearly impossible.
The ongoing crisis stems from Israel’s military offensive launched in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage. Since then, Gaza's health ministry reports over 55,000 people have been killed in the enclave.