UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation after at least 31 Palestinians were reportedly shot dead near a US-backed aid distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza.
The incident occurred early Sunday near the Al-Alam roundabout, where thousands had gathered in hopes of receiving aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Gaza’s civil defence said Israeli forces opened fire, killing 31 people and injuring 176.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and bloodshed. “People started running, but many couldn’t escape. The bullets were chasing people even as they tried to flee,” said one 35-year-old survivor, Mohammed Abu Deqqa.
The Israeli military denied firing at civilians near the aid site, claiming instead that “warning shots were fired” at individuals who approached troops about a kilometre away, and outside the centre’s operating hours.
In a statement Monday, Guterres expressed his horror at the reports. “It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,” he said, calling for a “full, independent investigation” and accountability for those responsible.
Israel’s foreign ministry slammed the UN chief’s statement as “a disgrace” for failing to criticize Hamas. Israel has bypassed the UN in its latest aid distribution efforts, partnering with GHF instead — a move the UN has opposed due to concerns over the group’s neutrality.
British surgeon Victoria Rose, speaking from Nasser Hospital, described the aftermath as “absolute carnage,” with wards overflowing with gunshot victims. The Red Cross confirmed 179 people were brought to its field hospital, 21 already dead.
Meanwhile, Israel faces mounting international pressure to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN warns famine looms. More than 54,000 people — mostly civilians — have died since the war began, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
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