Israeli Strike Near U.S. Aid Site in Gaza Kills 26, Injures Over 100

At least 26 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured when Israeli forces opened fire near a U.S.-backed humanitarian aid distribution point in southern Gaza on Sunday morning, according to Hamas-affiliated media. The incident occurred west of Rafah, where thousands of civilians had gathered near the aid site, as reported by local rescuers and Gaza’s civil defense agency.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the civil defense, told AFP that Israeli vehicles fired on the crowd, targeting people approaching the aid distribution area. The attack has drawn significant attention due to its proximity to a U.S.-supported relief effort, though no immediate statement was issued by Israeli authorities regarding the reported strike.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed group overseeing aid distribution, has faced criticism from the United Nations and other aid organizations. These groups argue that the foundation’s operations lack impartiality and could disrupt established humanitarian efforts. Despite these concerns, the foundation began distributing aid in Gaza last week, amid ongoing regional tensions.

This incident follows a pattern of violence in the region, with recent Israeli airstrikes and ground operations intensifying across Gaza. The blockade imposed by Israel since March has severely restricted food and fuel supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leaving many residents reliant on charity kitchens for survival.