Tragic Incident in Gaza: Israeli Forces Open Fire on Aid Seekers, Leaving 25 Dead

In a devastating incident in Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for aid, leading to the deaths of at least 25 individuals. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and bloody, with many others injured. This tragic event adds to the rising toll of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen significant loss of life among Palestinians. The situation continues to escalate, raising urgent humanitarian concerns.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 13:35 IST

Deadly Assault on Civilians in Gaza

Deir al-Balah: In a tragic event early Tuesday, Israeli military forces and drones targeted a crowd of individuals awaiting humanitarian aid in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people, as reported by Palestinian witnesses and local hospitals.

The Israeli military has yet to provide a statement regarding the incident.

Victims were taken to the Awda hospital located in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where it was confirmed that they were waiting on Salah al-Din Road, south of Wadi Gaza.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that gunfire erupted as people moved closer to the approaching aid trucks.

Ahmed Halawa, a witness, described the scene as a massacre, stating that both tanks and drones opened fire on the crowd, even as they attempted to flee. He reported numerous casualties, both dead and injured.

Another eyewitness, Hossam Abu Shahada, recounted seeing drones surveilling the area before the gunfire began, creating a chaotic and bloody environment as people tried to escape.

He noted seeing at least three individuals lying motionless on the ground, with many others injured as he fled the scene.

The Awda hospital reported that an additional 146 Palestinians sustained injuries, with 62 in critical condition requiring transfer to other medical facilities in central Gaza.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah confirmed receiving six bodies from the same incident.

According to Palestinian witnesses and health officials, Israeli forces have frequently opened fire on crowds seeking essential food supplies, resulting in hundreds of fatalities in recent weeks. The military claims to have fired warning shots at individuals it deemed suspicious.

This incident adds to the rising death toll in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed around 56,000 Palestinian lives, as per the health ministry in the region.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but it asserts that over half of the deceased are women and children.

Israel's military operations in Gaza commenced following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily among civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages.