The deaths add to a growing toll of Palestinians killed while seeking aid from centres managed by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
By Titilope Adako
At least 51 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, with 14 of the victims gunned down near aid distribution centres, even as former US President Donald Trump claimed “great progress” was being made to end the war.
Medical officials at al-Awda and Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospitals said Israeli forces opened fire on crowds waiting for food near the Netzarim Junction in central Gaza on Wednesday morning, leaving at least nine dead and several injured.
The deaths add to a growing toll of Palestinians killed while seeking aid from centres managed by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has faced condemnation from the United Nations and aid groups. Critics accuse GHF of enabling Israel to use food distribution as a tool in its military operations.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported that GHF aid centres are usually positioned close to Israeli military posts, making them dangerous for desperate civilians. “Once the 20-minute distribution window ends, shooting often starts,” he said.
Calls for accountability have mounted, but the GHF has rejected responsibility. Israel has previously claimed that it opened fire only when “suspects” approached soldiers near aid sites.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Ministry of Health warned of a humanitarian collapse, saying hospitals are overwhelmed, lacking medical supplies, and unable to care for the growing number of wounded.
In another deadly attack, five members of a family were killed in Deir el-Balah when Israeli warplanes bombed their home without warning. Three more were killed in a strike on Nuseirat refugee camp. Gaza City resident Ramzi Khaled, who witnessed the overnight attack on a shelter at al-Shawwa fuel station, described scenes of horror. “The ceiling collapsed… we found people in pieces,” he told Reuters.
The latest figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry put the death toll since the war began at 56,077, with 131,848 others injured. Israel’s death toll from the October 7 Hamas-led attack stands at 1,139, with over 200 hostages taken.
Israel’s military confirmed that seven of its soldiers were killed in combat on Tuesday. All were members of the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion, aged between 19 and 21. An eighth soldier was critically injured.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as “a very difficult day for the people of Israel.”
Despite the violence, diplomatic channels appear to be re-opening. Qatar’s Prime Minister said indirect talks between Israel and Hamas could start within days. Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu confirmed ongoing discussions with Egypt and Qatar, though no formal ceasefire proposals had been presented.
Speaking from The Hague, Trump suggested US military pressure on Iran was influencing the peace process in Gaza.
“Great progress is being made on Gaza… Gaza is very close [to peace],” he said, crediting his special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Chatham House fellow Yossi Mekelberg noted that Trump is currently more popular in Israel than Netanyahu. “Many Israelis believe Trump might secure the release of hostages faster and end the war sooner,” he said.
While talks continue, the humanitarian crisis deepens and ordinary Gazans, caught between food shortages and falling bombs, are paying the highest price.
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