Israeli Gunfire Turns Gaza Aid Centres Into Killing Zones as UN Condemns Mounting Civilian Deaths

In the pre-dawn hours of June 16, 2025, the Flag Roundabout in Rafah, Gaza, became the site of yet another deadly incident. Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians seeking food aid, resulting in at least 34 deaths and over 200 injuries, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.  This tragic event marks the latest in a series of fatal encounters near aid distribution centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed initiative.

A Controversial Aid Distribution Model

The GHF began operations on May 26, 2025, establishing aid distribution centers in Rafah and other parts of Gaza. These centers are secured by American private contractors and monitored by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).  While the initiative aims to provide essential supplies to Gazans amid a prolonged blockade, it has faced criticism for its militarized approach and lack of coordination with established humanitarian organizations. 

The United Nations and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns over safety and the potential for aid to be used as a tool of control. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), described the GHF’s system as a “lethal distribution system,” emphasizing that “scores of people have been killed & injured in the past days including of starving people trying to get some food.”  

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Since the GHF commenced operations, over 300 Palestinians have been killed and 2,600 injured near its aid distribution sites.  The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned Israel’s methods, stating that they are “inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.”  He urged global leaders to exert pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end the violence. 

The situation has prompted calls for international intervention. UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Michael Fakhri, advocated for the deployment of armed UN peacekeepers to protect humanitarian aid convoys in conflict zones like Gaza, warning of a looming “dystopia” where humanitarian organizations might cease operations due to escalating risks.  

Civilian Voices Amid the Chaos

Eyewitnesses have recounted harrowing experiences at the aid distribution sites. Heba Jouda and Mohammed Abed, who were present during the June 16 incident, told The Associated Press that Israeli forces fired on crowds around 4 a.m. at the Flag Roundabout, a traffic circle near the GHF center.  Such accounts highlight the desperation of civilians caught between the need for essential supplies and the dangers posed by the current aid distribution system. 

Looking Ahead

The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscore the urgent need for a reevaluation of aid distribution strategies. As the international community grapples with the complexities of the conflict, the voices of those on the ground—civilians seeking aid, humanitarian workers, and global leaders—call for immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of Gaza’s residents.