On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, tragedy struck the southern Gaza Strip as Israeli military forces reportedly killed at least 51 Palestinians and wounded more than 200 others near an aid distribution center in Khan Younis. According to witnesses, rescuers, and Gaza’s Health Ministry, the victims were among thousands of desperate civilians waiting for flour and other essential food supplies—a scene that has become heartbreakingly common amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Incident: Chaos at the Aid Distribution Site
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing sequence of events. Large crowds had gathered near a World Food Programme (WFP) distribution site, which also operated a community kitchen, hoping to secure basic sustenance for their families. As the crowd waited, Israeli drones reportedly launched two missiles, followed by artillery fire from a tank stationed 400 to 500 meters away. The explosions and subsequent gunfire caused immediate chaos, leaving bodies scattered and survivors fleeing in panic.
A local journalist and several residents confirmed that the attack occurred near a crucial junction leading to the town of Bani Suheila, an area that has seen persistent Israeli military activity in recent weeks. The Nasser Hospital, the only major medical facility still functioning in the vicinity, was quickly overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. Medical staff described a grim scene, with wounded individuals lying on the floor and doctors struggling to provide care amid dwindling supplies and electricity.
Conflicting Narratives and Ongoing Investigations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that a crowd had gathered near an aid truck that became immobilized close to IDF troops operating in the area. The military stated it was aware of reports of injuries resulting from IDF fire as the crowd advanced and confirmed that an investigation into the incident was underway. However, no further details or explanations were provided at the time of reporting.
Palestinian officials and health authorities have accused Israeli forces of repeatedly targeting civilians at aid distribution points since the establishment of new, Israeli- and U.S.-backed food hubs in late May. They claim that hundreds have been killed and thousands wounded in similar incidents, with the death toll at aid sites now exceeding 300 since the start of the new distribution system.
Humanitarian Catastrophe and International Outcry
The deadly attack in Khan Younis is the latest—and deadliest—in a series of shootings that have turned aid distribution sites into zones of extreme danger. Hunger and desperation have driven vast numbers of Palestinians to these centers, as Israel’s blockade and ongoing military operations have pushed Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to the brink of famine.
The United Nations and major humanitarian organizations have condemned the violence. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, accused Israel of using food as a weapon and called for immediate, impartial investigations into the killings. “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are causing horrific, unconscionable suffering for Palestinians in Gaza,” Turk told the UN Human Rights Council. UN agencies have refused to cooperate with the new aid distribution system, arguing that it fails to meet humanitarian standards and is too closely controlled by Israeli authorities.
Survivors’ Accounts: Desperation and Grief
Survivors described the attack as a “massacre.” Many recounted seeing children, women, and elderly people among the dead and wounded. “Many civilians, including children, lost their lives, and no one could assist or save them,” said one survivor. Another, Mohammed Abu Qeshfa, told reporters he escaped by sheer luck, describing the relentless gunfire and tank shelling that left bodies strewn across the sandy ground.
Doctors at Nasser Hospital reported that many victims had gunshot wounds to the head and chest, consistent with the use of machine guns mounted on tanks. The hospital, already strained by months of conflict, struggled to cope with the sheer number of casualties.
Broader Context: Aid, Blockade, and Ongoing Conflict
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private organization backed by Israel and the U.S., began distributing food in late May after Israel partially lifted a three-month blockade that had halted most food, fuel, and medicine deliveries. However, the distribution process has been marred by violence, logistical chaos, and accusations that Israel is weaponizing humanitarian aid.
The Israeli military has previously stated that its troops fire warning shots at “suspect individuals” approaching their positions but has not clarified the circumstances that led to this and similar deadly incidents.
Conclusion
The killing of 51 Palestinians waiting for flour in Khan Younis underscores the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. As international organizations demand accountability and an end to the violence, the people of Gaza continue to face daily dangers simply in their quest for survival. The incident has renewed calls for an immediate and impartial investigation, as well as urgent action to protect civilians and ensure the safe delivery of life-saving aid.