Palestinians shot dead in Gaza while queuing for food outside a Rafah aid centre have sparked outrage and global concern. It is reported that Israeli troops fired on civilians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded an immediate and impartial inquiry. The Israeli army is denying any role, while video footage and increasing death tolls fuel global pressure.
Deadly Incident Near Rafah Aid Centre
The bloodshed occurred close to the US-sponsored Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) food distribution centre in Rafah. Eyewitnesses say Israeli troops opened fire on individuals waiting in queues for relief. The Red Cross put deaths at 21. The Hamas-controlled Civil Defence organisation reported 31 fatalities.
Antonio Guterres, not mentioning Israel by name, denounced the attack. “It is deplorable that Palestinians are putting their lives in danger to obtain food,” he stated. He called for investigation and responsibility for the deaths.
Israeli Denial and Competing Claims
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) disputed the allegations. The army described troops firing “warning shots” only at people approaching them a kilometre from the Rafah location pre-dawn. GHF likewise refuted any discharge of shots at their facility.
However, AFP earlier released footage from another incident last week. It showed desperate civilians storming a food warehouse in Deir Al-Balah. Gunfire rang out as crowds seized flour and supplies. At least four died in that chaos.
On Monday, the IDF released new video showing armed men firing on civilians heading toward aid distribution zones. Israel claims the attackers were from militant groups.
Talks Stall, Truce Elusive
Ceasefire talks remain stalled as Egypt and Qatar pledge to intensify mediation efforts. Hamas has shown interest in “new” negotiations, but the parties have not reached any agreement yet.
Last week, CNN said Israel had accepted a US-sponsored ceasefire proposal. The proposal had included a 60-day ceasefire and a swap of 28 hostages—10 living, 18 dead. But nothing was agreed upon.
The Gaza war is now in its 20th month. Every day without peace brings more tragedy—and now more hunger—to an already battered population.
