Witness details Israeli forces firing on Palestinians near Gaza aid site in Rafah

Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians near an aid distribution site in Rafah, Gaza, killing at least 32 people and injuring over 200, according to witnesses and humanitarian organizations.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 21 victims were "declared dead upon arrival," with women and children among the 179 wounded. The ICRC described the incident as the "highest number of weapon-wounded in a single incident since the establishment of the field hospital over a year ago," overwhelming the 60-bed facility.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also responded to the "mass casualty" event, noting that the blood bank at Nasser hospital was nearly depleted, with medical staff donating blood to aid the injured.

Local journalists and activists shared footage showing bodies and wounded individuals being transported on donkey carts to the Red Cross field hospital in the al-Mawasi area.

Witness Ibrahim Abu Saoud told AP that Israeli forces fired on people approximately 300 meters from the military position as they approached the distribution point.

"Aid distribution has become a death trap," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

The aid was being distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a group backed by Israel and the U.S., whose executive director resigned before operations began, citing concerns over adherence to humanitarian principles.

This incident highlights the severe risks faced by Palestinians seeking aid amid ongoing conflict and the strain on medical resources in Gaza.

Israeli forces fired on Palestinians near a Gaza aid site in Rafah, killing at least 32 and injuring over 200, according to witnesses and humanitarian groups. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported 21 dead on arrival and a surge in weapon-wounded cases overwhelming medical facilities.