Gaza health workers say four killed by Israeli gunfire near aid centre

At least four Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire as they were heading to an aid distribution center in Gaza, according to health workers in the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said their troops fired warning shots after issuing a verbal challenge to a group moving toward them, which they considered a threat. This tragic event took place near Rafah, a town in southern Gaza, before dawn. Palestinian paramedics reported evacuating four people who died in the incident, while crowds had gathered nearby hoping to receive food from the aid center. One woman shared that her husband was shot in the head while waiting to collect food for their family. The Israeli army has instructed Palestinians to only travel to and from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites between 6 a. m. and 6 p. m. , warning that outside these hours the area should be treated as an active combat zone. The GHF, supported by Israel and the United States, recently opened three aid distribution sites in Gaza after Israel allowed limited aid into the region following a three-month blockade. However, this new aid system has faced strong criticism from humanitarian groups who argue it is ineffective and unethical. Israel claims the system is necessary to prevent Hamas from diverting aid to its fighters, but the United Nations has said this has not been a widespread problem. The GHF has been involved in several deadly incidents since it began operating, with reports of more than 60 Palestinians killed by gunfire during its first three days of aid distribution. Witnesses have blamed Israeli soldiers for these deaths, while the IDF says it fired warning shots and is investigating the incidents. Meanwhile, a flotilla of activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, is sailing toward Gaza to challenge Israel's blockade. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which is organizing the boat named Madleen, said it is preparing for the possibility of interception by Israeli forces. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz warned the flotilla to turn back, saying it would not be allowed to reach Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many Palestinians struggling to access food and basic supplies due to ongoing conflict and restrictions.