Daijiworld Media Network - Rafah

Rafah, Jun 2: A mass casualty incident at an aid distribution site in southern Gaza has left at least 21 dead and 179 injured, according to the Red Cross. Most victims suffered gunshot or shrapnel wounds, including women and children.

The Hamas-run Gaza Civil Defence blamed Israeli gunfire for the deaths near the GHF aid centre in Rafah. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied firing at civilians, claiming an initial inquiry showed no such action, and released drone footage suggesting armed men caused the chaos.

Médecins Sans Frontières said Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received dozens of patients and warned of a severe blood shortage. MSF staff donated their own blood as they treated victims. Local journalists reported bodies being transported by donkey carts due to limited ambulance access.

Despite the GHF denying any incident at its sites and accusing Hamas of spreading misinformation, eyewitnesses described Israeli tanks firing near crowds. A BBC-verified video showed patients with severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

The humanitarian situation in Rafah remains dire as military operations continue. Over 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.