At least 30 Palestinians were shot and more than 115 were wounded in an Israeli air strike close to an aid distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the southern city of Rafah, WAFA and Hamas-affiliated media reported. The alleged strike occurred on Sunday close to a center recently starting to disperse humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The GHF, supported by international donors and Israel, was formed to disperse food, medicine, and necessities in the conflict zone. There has not been an immediate response to Sunday's alleged occurrence by the Israeli military.

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A paramedic carries a Palestinian man wounded in an Israeli strike, at Nasser Hospital | Credit: Reuters

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has elicited varying responses from locals. Although it has assisted in facilitating vital aid into Gaza, some Palestinians questioned its impartiality, pointing to biometric and background checks allegedly conducted under Israel's screening procedure. Israeli authorities have justified the procedure, asserting the screening prevents aid from ending up with Hamas or those associated with militant activity.

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The current attack comes after the May 28 incident, in which Hamas blamed Israeli soldiers for killing three Palestinians and wounding 46 at another GHF distribution center. GHF at the time denied the accusations, while the Israel Defense Forces reported soldiers firing warning shots to retake command after thousands of Palestinians rushed toward the compound.

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The south of Rafah city has been the focal point of recent Israeli army operations while also trying to destroy lingering Hamas facilities in Gaza. With cross-border checkpoints largely closed, residents are relying more and more on foreign aid groups to bring in simple commodities. The international community has again called on both sides to protect civilians and aid workers, particularly in areas around key distribution points.