At Least 700 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attacks While Collecting Food Aid in Gaza Strip — Gaza Health Ministry
Gaza, July 5, 2025 — Over the past few weeks, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to receive food aid in the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Following this report, the controversial humanitarian aid organization supported by the United States and Israel, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has come under renewed criticism.
On Saturday, the Gaza Health Ministry stated that at least 743 Palestinians were killed and more than 4,891 injured while seeking aid at GHF food distribution centers. The foundation began operations in Gaza at the end of May, following devastating Israeli bombings.
Field journalist Hani Mahmoud from Al Jazeera reported, “This figure is likely a ‘conservative estimate’ counting only those killed near the aid centers. The real number could be higher.”
He added from Gaza City, “People are going hungry. Mothers are sacrificing their own food to save their families. The desperation for food is overwhelming.”
Earlier this week, the Associated Press (AP) reported that fresh gunfire and stun grenades were being used against Palestinians lining up for food at GHF distribution points. Two anonymous U.S. contractors said that armed GHF personnel operated with impunity, as if no one held them accountable.
GHF has denied these allegations, calling them “completely false” and asserting that it takes security at its distribution centers very seriously.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has also stood by GHF. A spokesperson from the State Department said Wednesday, “GHF is the only organization that has been able to deliver aid in Gaza.” At the end of June, the Trump administration provided a $30 million direct grant to the foundation.
On Saturday, GHF reported that two U.S. workers were injured by a grenade explosion after food distribution at one of their centers in Khan Yunus, Gaza. They are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.
However, it is not immediately known who was responsible for the attack.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the closure of GHF.
They accuse the foundation of “forcing over two million people in Gaza into a densely populated, militarized environment where daily risks of gunfire and massacres exist.”
Amnesty stated, “GHF’s operations have become an ‘inhumane, deadly military project.’ All collected evidence and eyewitness testimonies clearly show that GHF has turned into a tool of Israeli genocide under the guise of international concern.”
Despite this, due to the severe shortages of food, water, and other humanitarian supplies, many Palestinians are compelled to visit these high-risk aid centers.
