### Deadly Incident Near Gaza Food Distribution Site: At Least Five Killed by Israeli Fire

In a tragic turn of events, at least five people lost their lives and others were injured due to Israeli gunfire near a food distribution point in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials and eyewitnesses. The incident reportedly occurred about a kilometre from a food distribution site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by Israel and the United States.

Witnesses described how Israeli forces opened fire on Sunday morning as people approached the distribution site in Rafah to collect essential supplies. The Israeli military, however, stated that it had only fired warning shots at individuals who approached their forces, acknowledging reports of injuries without specifying the number.

Medical facilities in the area quickly filled with casualties. Nasser hospital in Khan Younis confirmed receiving the bodies of the deceased, while Al-Awda hospital reported the death of a 42-year-old man and treated 29 individuals who were wounded near another GHF distribution point.

Since May 27, when GHF took over civilian food provision, the death toll has risen to 110 people who have been killed while attempting to obtain food. Additionally, over 1,000 individuals have been injured during this period.

The shooting spurred confusion and anger among those affected. Adham Dahman, who sustained a facial injury, recounted that a tank had fired at them, calling the situation a "trap" rather than aid. Another witness, Zahed Ben Hassan, described the frantic scene, sharing that someone next to him was shot in the head.

The GHF issued a statement claiming there had been "no incident at or in [the] surrounding vicinity" of their distribution sites. Nonetheless, frequent shootings have been reported near the new food hubs over the past two weeks, prompting GHF to suspend its operations temporarily as it urged Israel to enhance civilian safety around the distribution areas.

The Israeli military has consistently denied targeting civilians, specifying that any gunfire was aimed at "suspects" near the food hubs. Despite these professed warning shots, the civilian toll continues to rise.

In addition to the immediate violence, Gaza residents face a severe humanitarian crisis. Israel's blockade on supplies to Gaza, initiated in March, has led to widespread food scarcity. A global hunger monitor highlighted that around half a million people in Gaza are at risk of starvation, with acute malnutrition expected to affect tens of thousands of children.

Humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations, have criticised the new distribution system managed by the GHF, claiming it will fail to meet the demands of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. They argue that Israel’s control over food distribution exacerbates the dire humanitarian situation in the region.