### Four Palestinians Killed by Israeli Gunfire Near Gaza Aid Center

At least four Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli gunfire as they approached an aid distribution center in Gaza, according to local health workers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they had issued a verbal warning and fired warning shots at a group deemed to be a threat as it moved toward their position.

This tragic event is the latest in a series of deadly incidents at aid distribution points in Gaza. These sites have been established by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new organization supported by Israel and the US. IDF acknowledged reports of injuries but claimed the figures did not align with their information. The incident occurred before dawn near an aid distribution site in Rafah, situated in the southern part of Gaza.

Palestinian paramedics reported evacuating the four deceased, who had gathered with others in the hopes of obtaining food from the aid center. A woman recounted that her husband was shot in the head while waiting to collect supplies for their family.

The Israeli military has declared specific operating hours for movement to and from GHF distribution centers—from 06:00 to 18:00 local time. Outside these hours, the army considers the areas active combat zones. GHF has established three distribution sites, with the first opening at 06:00 in central Gaza and the other two at noon in Rafah, as of Sunday.

After a three-month blockade, Israel has begun to permit limited aid into Gaza, prioritizing distribution through the GHF. This new system aims to bypass the United Nations, which Israel accuses of failing to prevent aid diversion to Hamas fighters. The UN disputes these claims, labeling the GHF system both unworkable and unethical.

Since its inception, the GHF has faced significant controversy. Over 60 Palestinians were reported killed by gunfire within the first three days of aid distribution, with medics and local health authorities attributing the deaths to Israeli soldiers. The IDF reported firing warning shots on the initial two days and shooting near advancing Palestinian suspects on the third day. The military is currently investigating these incidents.

Most recently, Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported that six Palestinians were killed and several others were wounded by Israeli gunfire on Saturday. The Israeli military reiterated that troops fired warning shots at individuals perceived as threats.

In a related development, a flotilla attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza is approximately 160 nautical miles from the coast. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, organizing the voyage of the Madleen vessel with climate activist Greta Thunberg among its crew, is preparing for potential interception. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prevent the boat from reaching Gaza, warning the crew to turn back.

The situation in Gaza has drawn significant international concern, particularly from distinguished lawyers, senior humanitarians, and diplomats who are alarmed by the ongoing crisis. Additionally, medics reported that one Palestinian was killed and 30 others were injured in an Israeli strike on tents in Khan Younis on Sunday. Amidst escalating tensions, Israel has faced criticism for allegedly providing weapons to individuals described as "criminals and felons."

In a separate attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli Americans Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, and her husband Gadi, 72, were killed, marking another grim note in the ongoing conflict.