More than 30 Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli fire on Sunday as they approached a food aid distribution point in Rafah, according to witnesses and a local hospital run by the Red Cross.

The incident occurred when individuals sought assistance from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by Israeli and American support.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that Israeli forces opened fire as crowds began to gather for the aid.

One local resident, Yarin Abu al-Naja, described the scene, stating that his brother was shot while attempting to receive aid, which resulted in his critical injury and the death of one of his companions.

Casualties were reportedly transported to the hospital using makeshift means, as the area was deemed too dangerous for ambulances.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed receiving a mass influx of 179 individuals at their nearby field hospital, with at least 21 declared dead upon arrival.

The ICRC characterized this as the highest number of weapon-related injuries in a single incident since the establishment of the hospital over a year ago.

Local health authorities reported that at least 31 deaths occurred at Nasser hospital.

The Red Crescent reported an additional 14 injuries near another aid distribution site in central Gaza.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied targeting civilians, asserting that their soldiers fired warning shots at suspected threats.

However, specifics regarding these suspects were not provided.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation asserted that it conducted aid delivery “without incident” earlier in the day and labeled prior claims of gunfire as incorrect.

Reports indicated that Israeli forces had instructed citizens to wait until 6 AM local time before approaching the hub.

Witnesses noted that people began lining up as early as 5 AM and surged forward before the military authorized entry, which allegedly prompted the shooting.

Witness accounts described a chaotic scene, with many individuals attempting to reach the aid site when shots rang out.

A report from a local medic described catastrophic conditions at Nasser hospital, where many of the injured exhibited severe trauma, particularly to the upper body.

Reports emerged that shots were fired from various heights, including drones and tanks.

The aid distribution hub has faced criticisms, with humanitarian organizations arguing that it fails to adequately serve Gaza's population of 2.3 million.

Prior incidents involving casualties near GHF’s distribution points have raised alarms about safety protocols and military engagement rules near densely populated areas.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with rising rates of malnutrition and food insecurity, the UN and various organizations have expressed skepticism towards the new aid distribution system, citing concerns that it enables Israeli authorities to control assistance.

The IPC has warned that nearly 71,000 children in the region are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition.

Amid ongoing tensions, Hamas and Israel exchanged accusations regarding a stalled ceasefire effort, further complicating the humanitarian landscape as the region faces escalating challenges.

The conflict has led to significant casualties since hostilities resumed in October 2023, and international health offices affirm that the situation remains dire for millions vulnerable to food scarcity and violence.