At least 24 Palestinians have been reported killed as a result of an Israeli attack while they were waiting for humanitarian aid in the Rafah region of Gaza.

The Gaza health ministry disclosed the casualty figures following the incident that occurred early on Tuesday.

Witnesses state that the victims were among crowds gathered at an aid distribution center operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Israeli forces have stated they opened fire approximately half a mile from the aid center, asserting that the individuals at the center posed a threat.

A statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that troops conducted warning fire and subsequently directed additional shots at suspects who were reportedly deviating from designated access routes towards the troops.

This incident follows another occurrence in which at least 31 individuals were killed due to Israeli tank fire as they attempted to access aid in the Gaza Strip.

The latest figures from local medics indicate that around 175 people were also wounded during these incidents, marking a troubling escalation in violence amid ongoing humanitarian operations.

The GHF has faced significant challenges in aid distribution, with reports from multiple witnesses confirming that Israeli troops have fired on crowds near delivery sites.

Prior to the incidents reported on Tuesday, at least six Palestinians had been killed and over 50 wounded in similar circumstances, according to local health officials.

However, the GHF asserts that no fire from their private security contractors was directed towards the crowds, and the Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots.

On a previous occasion, the GHF reported a successful distribution of 16 truckloads of aid without incident, while also labeling claims of deaths and chaos as false.

The situation regarding aid delivery in Gaza remains severely strained, particularly after Israel slightly eased its blockade on the territory last month.

Humanitarian organizations indicate that restrictions, along with deteriorating law and order and rampant looting, complicate aid delivery to Gaza's population of approximately 2 million.

While reports indicate that Israeli fire led to at least 27 additional Palestinian deaths near an aid distribution site on Tuesday, the Israeli military has stated it is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

These events unfolded after Israeli forces confirmed three soldiers were killed in clashes in northern Gaza, indicating an ongoing military operation against Hamas militants.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has initiated distribution efforts to counteract widespread hunger among civilians, many of whom have fled their homes due to prolonged conflict.

However, its approach, which bypasses traditional humanitarian channels, has attracted criticism from the United Nations and established charity organizations, claiming it does not adhere to recognized humanitarian principles.

Despite the challenges, the GHF reported the distribution of 21 truckloads of food on Tuesday, claiming the operations were conducted safely within the site.

Israeli officials have consistently denied allegations of targeting civilians seeking aid and dismissed claims of fatalities during prior distributions as fabrications attributed to Hamas.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern regarding the reported killings and injuries among civilians seeking aid and called for an independent investigation into the incidents.

The ongoing confrontation stems from an Israeli military campaign that was launched following an attack by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages.

Since the onset of the military operation, local health authorities have recorded the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, with significant displacement affecting much of Gaza's population.