Hunger and Gunfire in Gaza: US-Backed Foundation Denies Responsibility for Deadly Incident

At least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 200 injured on Sunday when Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, all those killed were shot in the head or chest.

Amid the tragedy, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — a US- and Israeli-backed organization overseeing aid distribution — has flatly denied that any shooting took place in or around the site.

“Crowds had gathered to receive food when they came under fire,” said a paramedic from the Palestinian Red Crescent, speaking to CNN. The paramedic was among the few medical workers present at the time.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a brief statement saying they had no knowledge of any injuries caused by their troops at the location, but noted that the incident is under investigation.

GHF, which was established amid allegations that Hamas was misappropriating and reselling aid, stated that “there was no gunfire of any kind in or around the center.”

According to the foundation’s own data, 4.7 million meals have been distributed over six days, with 887,000 meals handed out on Sunday alone.

Critics, including UN agencies, have pointed out that GHF’s aid model is not based on verified needs or recipient registration — in contrast to the established procedures of UNRWA.

The latest shooting follows a week of growing unrest and desperation. Previous reports from the Ministry of Health indicate that at least 11 people have already died at GHF distribution sites. The foundation, however, maintains that no deaths have occurred as a result of its operations.

The UN has expressed concern that aid is now being distributed in a way that increases the risk of hunger, chaos, and death.

The situation in Rafah has turned into a deadly mix of desperation and lack of structure, as the urgent need for food collides with crumbling trust in safety and coordination.

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