KHAN YOUNIS — A crowd surge at a Gaza aid distribution center on Wednesday left 20 Palestinians dead, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Nineteen victims were trampled, and one was reportedly stabbed during what the group described as “a chaotic and dangerous surge” at its southern Gaza facility.
The deadly incident took place at a GHF site in the Khan Younis area. In a public statement, the foundation claimed the surge was triggered by “agitators in the crowd” believed to have ties to Hamas. The foundation, backed by both the U.S. and Israel, has operated distribution sites in Gaza since late May.
The exact cause of the crowd’s sudden movement remains under investigation, and the identities of those killed have not been released. Eyewitness accounts have yet to be independently verified.
Local health officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed that more than 10 individuals died and others sustained injuries and are being treated for suffocation encountered during the crowd surge at the incident. Others were treated for trauma-related injuries, though an exact number has not been disclosed.
The hospital’s preliminary report pointed to the actions of private security contractors at the aid site, who allegedly closed access gates amid the rush, causing panic among people waiting for food and supplies.
Photos from the scene showed abandoned shoes, bags of flour scattered across the ground, and distressed civilians trying to revive unconscious individuals.
There have been almost daily reports of deaths and injuries at or near GHF distribution centers since the aid operation began. Tuesday’s event marked the single deadliest surge so far.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has not responded to further inquiries about its security protocols or whether aid distributions will be paused.
The situation in Gaza remains fragile. With much of the enclave’s infrastructure destroyed and access to basic resources severely limited, large crowds often gather at aid centers. The continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas has only deepened the crisis.
No independent confirmation has yet verified the claim that Hamas-linked individuals incited the crowd. Local Palestinian authorities have not issued a formal statement regarding Tuesday’s deaths.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety and management of international humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, where tensions are high and desperation is growing.
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