Israeli strike on Gaza aid center kills 26 as tensions escalate in Rafah

At least 26 people were killed on June 1 in a reported Israeli military strike on an aid distribution point in Rafah, Gaza, operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to Palestinian and Hamas-affiliated media. The incident has ignited fresh concerns amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

The GHF, which recently began distributing aid in Gaza, is supported by both the United States and Israel. However, its operations have faced criticism from some Palestinians, who question the neutrality of the group due to its biometric screening and other security checks designed to exclude individuals affiliated with Hamas.

Israel has not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported strike. Earlier tensions escalated on May 28, when Hamas accused the Israeli military of killing three Palestinians and injuring 46 near one of the GHF distribution sites — allegations the aid group denies.

Israeli forces confirmed they fired warning shots near the compound after thousands of Palestinians gathered to receive aid, aiming to restore order around the distribution center.

The deadly strike on a humanitarian facility underscores the fragile and volatile situation in Gaza, where the delivery of aid is increasingly complicated by security concerns and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.