DEIR al-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli airstrikes on Friday resulted in the deaths of 15 Palestinians in Gaza, while another 20 were reported killed in shooting incidents while seeking humanitarian aid. The ongoing violence has intensified scrutiny regarding the safety of civilians caught in the conflict, particularly near aid distribution points established by a U.S.-backed organization.
The United Nations human rights office has documented a total of 613 fatalities over the past month, a figure that includes numerous deaths occurring near humanitarian convoys. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani noted that it is difficult to assign responsibility for these incidents, but highlighted that Israeli forces have been known to target individuals attempting to access aid. Of the total reported, 509 fatalities occurred at or near installations operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has become increasingly significant in the region since its operations commenced in late May.
Shamdasani expressed concern over the continuous flow of reports regarding violence, remarking, “This is ongoing and it is unacceptable.” The GHF has dismissed allegations of serious injuries or deaths at its distribution sites, asserting that any incidents occurring nearby fall under the purview of Israeli military actions.
On the same day, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for areas in northeast Khan Younis, urging residents to move westward in anticipation of renewed military operations targeting Hamas. These orders have effectively compressed the living spaces for many Palestinians, forcing them into narrower confines along the coast.
Reports from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis indicated that at least three people were killed near aid distribution sites in Rafah, while another 17 died in the Tahliya area, awaiting deliveries. Among the 15 individuals killed in the airstrikes, the hospital confirmed that eight were women and one was a child. The strikes struck the Muwasi area, which has become a refuge for many displaced residents living in makeshift shelters. The Israeli military is investigating the strikes and has previously stated it conducts warning shots to manage crowds around aid points.
In response to the ongoing violence, the U.N. is examining the killings associated with aid distributions. The rights office clarified its initial reports to specify that the fatal incidents were closely linked to GHF operational zones. Accurate tracking of casualties is being managed through collaborations with local hospitals that provide data on deceased individuals.
As violence mounts, both sides are contemplating potential ceasefire agreements. U.S. officials indicated that diplomatic efforts may be gaining traction, with President Donald Trump suggesting that developments could unfold over the ensuing days. Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly engaging in discussions with other Palestinian factions regarding a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 57,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the conflict escalated, a grim statistic that underscores the toll of prolonged warfare. This figure does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but the ministry asserts that a significant portion of the deceased are women and children. The conflict was reignited following an attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 individuals and took approximately 250 hostages, setting off a spiral of violence that has escalated dramatically in recent months.
The Israeli military maintains that it focuses on warning shots and denies intentionally targeting civilian populations, though it continues to assess reports of civilian casualties. The situation remains fluid, and humanitarian needs in Gaza are escalating amid the chaos.