The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation into the deaths of more than 30 Palestinians near a food aid center in Rafah on Sunday, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deny responsibility and present video evidence to support their claims. Both the IDF and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates the aid distribution site, say footage disproves allegations that Israeli troops opened fire on civilians collecting food.
Hamas caught shooting civilians at an aid distribution site in Gaza, June 1, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces/YouTube)
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UN Secretary General António Guterres said Monday, “I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday. It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food. I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable.”
According to health officials, at least 31 people were killed and more than 170 wounded near the GHF site in the Rafah area, in the south of the Gaza Strip. On Monday morning, three more deaths were reported at the same location. Witnesses claimed Israeli forces opened fire as people gathered before dawn to receive food. Footage from local hospitals showed wounded individuals arriving with gunshot and shrapnel wounds.
The IDF denies firing at civilians and released aerial footage that it says shows armed, masked men in Khan Yunis firing at Palestinians and disrupting aid deliveries. The military accused Hamas of staging violence to sabotage humanitarian operations and spread misinformation. Separately, GHF released its own surveillance video from inside the Rafah aid site showing calm conditions during distribution, with no gunfire, injuries, or fatalities.
“The IDF did not fire at civilians while they were near or within the humanitarian aid distribution site,” said IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin. “We will investigate each and every one of those allegations. We are a professional military.”
GHF said all aid was delivered without incident and described reports of IDF gunfire as “fabricated.” The US-backed organization said it has distributed more than 5.8 million meals and is expanding operations across Gaza.
While Israel and GHF say the new system helps bypass Hamas control of aid, the UN has declined to participate, citing concerns over neutrality and safety.