The humanitarian crisis in Gaza took a deadly turn on Monday, June 16, 2025, as 34 Palestinians killed near food centers marked the bloodiest day yet in a series of daily shootings that have plagued the region. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the victims were targeted as they attempted to access essential aid in areas under Israeli military control. The tragedy unfolded in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, where hunger-stricken civilians have been gathering in hopes of receiving food from newly established distribution sites.
The alarming death toll has intensified scrutiny over Israel’s handling of the food distribution system and its broader military campaign in Gaza. This incident brings to light the severe risks civilians face while trying to access humanitarian aid, underlining a deepening crisis that global aid organizations warn is spiraling into famine.
Deadly Pattern: Near-Daily Shootings Continue
The fact that 34 Palestinians killed near food centers in a single day underscores an increasingly deadly pattern of violence. Near-daily shootings have become a tragic norm in Gaza, as thousands of desperate residents attempt to navigate Israeli military-controlled areas in order to reach food distribution points. Witnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds, allegedly in an effort to control the chaos and maintain security near the distribution hubs.
This latest incident occurred around 4 a.m. at the Flag Roundabout near Rafah—an area that has become notorious for such confrontations. Survivors Heba Jouda and Mohammed Abed described scenes of panic and chaos as Israeli troops fired on civilians moving toward the aid centers. While the Israeli military has previously claimed that it fires only warning shots at “suspects” approaching their positions, there was no immediate statement regarding the killings on June 16.
Gaza’s Health Ministry Confirms Death Toll
Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed that 34 Palestinians killed near food centers on Monday alone, with the majority of casualties occurring near the GHF distribution center close to Rafah. A smaller number were reportedly shot while on roads leading to a newly established aid hub on the outskirts of Khan Younis.
Health officials stated that most of the victims were unarmed civilians, including women and children, attempting to access desperately needed food supplies. These food centers, though operated by GHF (Global Humanitarian Federation), are under Israeli oversight, with troops patrolling access routes and maintaining control of surrounding areas.
GHF and Aid Routes Under Scrutiny
The GHF food distribution system has come under criticism from various international organizations. Although 34 Palestinians killed near food centers occurred in the vicinity of GHF-operated sites, the organization maintains that there has been no violence within the centers themselves. It attributes the conflict to the surrounding environment and the rules enforced by the Israeli military.
Israel, with backing from the United States, insists the GHF system is necessary to prevent Hamas from intercepting and misusing aid. They argue that the previous system allowed for too much interference by the militant group, resulting in widespread corruption and diversion of resources.
However, U.N. agencies and other major humanitarian groups vehemently oppose the new system. They claim it fails to meet the humanitarian needs of the population and gives Israel excessive control over the distribution of aid. These organizations categorically deny that there is widespread theft of aid by Hamas and argue that Israel is effectively weaponizing humanitarian assistance by restricting access.
The Human Cost of Controlled Access
With 34 Palestinians killed near food centers, the focus has shifted to the human cost of Israel’s rigidly controlled access routes. The Israeli military has designated specific roads for civilians to follow in order to reach the food centers. However, many people—motivated by fear of missing out on limited food supplies—veer off these routes, often placing themselves in danger.
Despite repeated warnings from GHF about the risks of leaving the designated paths, the hunger and desperation of Gaza’s 2 million residents often override caution. The incident at the Flag Roundabout is a case in point: although the area lies hundreds of meters away from the GHF center, it remains a choke point where Israeli troops are stationed, and where repeated shootings have occurred.
These stringent restrictions and deadly consequences raise urgent ethical and humanitarian questions. When 34 Palestinians killed near food centers in one day becomes a headline, it is clear that existing systems are failing to protect civilian lives.
International Reaction and Humanitarian Warnings
The international community has expressed deep concern over the growing civilian death toll. Aid organizations warn that Gaza is teetering on the brink of famine due to ongoing military operations, restricted aid access, and now, increasing fatalities around distribution centers.
Palestinian health officials report that since the GHF system was implemented last month, scores have been killed and hundreds more wounded while trying to access food. The 34 Palestinians killed near food centers on Monday add a grim milestone to an already dire situation. Humanitarian groups argue that the risk to civilians far outweighs the alleged benefits of a more “secure” distribution model.
Many have urged Israel to immediately reevaluate its tactics and to create genuinely safe corridors for aid distribution. While Israel continues to cite security concerns, critics argue that the current model effectively criminalizes hunger by punishing civilians for trying to survive.
Denial of Involvement and Continued Silence
Despite the mounting evidence and eyewitness testimony, the Israeli military has yet to comment on the specific events of June 16. Their continued silence regarding the fact that 34 Palestinians killed near food centers adds to frustration among international observers and rights advocates.
In previous incidents, the Israeli military has justified their actions by labeling individuals approaching their positions as “suspects.” However, the lack of transparency and refusal to investigate civilian casualties erode public trust and hinder the prospects for any peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
A Failing System with Fatal Consequences
The tragedy where 34 Palestinians killed near food centers occurred is more than an isolated event—it is symptomatic of a failed aid delivery mechanism operating in a war zone. Rather than safeguarding humanitarian principles, the GHF system, as currently administered, appears to be exacerbating civilian suffering.
Access to food should never come at the cost of human life. But in Gaza, where over two million people are caught in the crossfire between military agendas and international diplomacy, even a simple act like collecting food has become a deadly gamble.
Conclusion: A Humanitarian Disaster in Real Time
The incident that left 34 Palestinians killed near food centers must be a wake-up call to the international community. It is no longer enough to debate the effectiveness of aid systems or the legitimacy of Israeli security protocols. Immediate action is needed to create genuinely safe, accessible, and neutral humanitarian corridors.
The world must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that no person dies trying to secure the basic necessity of food. Until then, the devastating headlines will keep coming, and the death toll will continue to rise—one distribution center at a time.