47 people injured while trying to get food aid in Gaza, UN rights office says

A food aid distribution event in southern Gaza turned chaotic on Tuesday, leaving 47 Palestinians injured, mostly by gunfire. The incident occurred near Rafah, where thousands gathered at a newly established aid center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The United Nations Human Rights Office confirmed the injuries and raised concerns about the safety and fairness of the distribution model.

Panic Erupts as Crowds Rush Aid

Large numbers of Gaza residents, desperate for food and clean water, arrived at the aid center after hearing that supplies would be handed out. Witnesses say the scene quickly descended into chaos.

“People came running from all directions—mothers carrying children, young men pushing forward, older people trying to keep up,” said Mahmoud al-Hamdan, a local volunteer. “Then we heard gunshots. People panicked and started screaming.”

The Israeli military claimed its troops fired warning shots to control the crowd. However, the UN reported that most injuries were caused by live ammunition. Medical teams confirmed one person died, while 48 others sustained injuries.

GHF Distribution Model Sparks Debate

Unlike traditional UN-led efforts, the GHF runs a centralized food distribution system. The group uses guarded hubs rather than mobile teams or local partners. This model has attracted criticism from both aid workers and international watchdogs.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, stated that the aid method creates dangerous conditions. “Humanitarian aid must reach people safely and fairly,” she said. “Crowds gathering in unsafe locations make that nearly impossible.”

The model has also raised concerns over political influence. Critics believe it allows control over where displaced people go, potentially pushing them away from certain areas.

Aid Shortages Add to Tensions

Since October 2023, ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure. Over 54,000 people have died, and many survivors now face starvation. Water supplies have dried up, and hospitals struggle to treat even basic injuries.

Border crossings remain mostly closed. While trucks carrying aid wait outside Gaza, very few get through. Local and international agencies say politics, not logistics, blocks the flow.

“The problem isn’t the lack of aid. It’s that we can’t get it to the people who need it,” said Samira Qudsi, a coordinator for the International Red Crescent.

Political Fallout Builds

News of the shooting quickly spread. Protests broke out in Jordan, Turkey, and Qatar, with demonstrators demanding open aid routes and an end to the violence. Several Middle Eastern governments condemned the shooting and urged the UN to launch an independent probe.

Meanwhile, Israel and the United States, who back the GHF, defended the operation. They said it protects aid from being seized by militant groups. However, no solid evidence has supported these claims.

Independent aid workers argued that existing international teams already monitor aid effectively. They believe the GHF’s strict control worsens the crisis by limiting access and creating flashpoints like the one in Rafah.

UN Demands Accountability

The UN has called for a full investigation into the incident. Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur, said civilians must not be placed in harm’s way. “This must not happen again. When people risk their lives for food, we’ve failed them,” she said.

The GHF issued a short statement. It expressed regret over the injuries but denied any of its team members fired weapons. It briefly paused operations at the Rafah site, but resumed distribution later under heavier security.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Entire families live in makeshift shelters. Food remains scarce. Children go to bed hungry each night. Aid groups warn that if global leaders don’t act now, the crisis could become irreversible.

“This is not just a humanitarian emergency—it’s a failure of our global systems,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council. “People in Gaza need food, water, and shelter—not gunfire.”

As pressure mounts, many wonder if Tuesday’s tragedy will lead to meaningful change. Until then, Gaza’s civilians face a daily struggle for survival—with no end in sight.