A Guardian investigation has found a sustained pattern of Israeli firing on Palestinians seeking food in Gaza, despite the presence of humanitarian organizations. The research analyzed visual evidence, medical data, and patterns of injuries from two hospitals over 50 days, as well as interviews with medical organizations and surgeons.
According to the study, more than 2,000 Palestinians were injured during this period, mostly by gunshots. Machine-gun fire was heard on at least 11 days near food distribution sites run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Bullet casings recovered from patients suggest they were Israeli munitions.
Doctors at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis and the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah described treating an unprecedented number of gunshot wounds. Almost all responsive patients arriving at the field hospital said they were shot by the Israeli military while trying to reach a food distribution site.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that casualty numbers were higher than those seen during mass-casualty incidents over the previous year. In data analyzed, more than 100 patients were declared dead on arrival.
Eyewitness accounts from Palestinians who attempted to collect food described instances of Israeli tank fire and gunshots in close proximity to crowds. Many reported being shot while attempting to reach food distribution sites, often without warning or provocation.
Experts have expressed concern over the lack of accountability for these incidents. Prof Nick Maynard, a consultant surgeon at Oxford University hospital, noted that gunshot wounds to specific body parts suggested targeted violence.
The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians but acknowledged firing “warning shots” on eight occasions near food distribution sites. However, many eyewitnesses dispute this account, describing the shooting as indiscriminate and reckless.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed outrage over these incidents, with Oxfam’s policy lead for the Palestinian territories stating that the system is “deadly.” The International Committee of the Red Cross has also condemned these actions as grave breaches of international humanitarian law.
The situation remains dire for Palestinians in Gaza, who continue to face food shortages and scarcity. The Israeli military maintains its position, citing security concerns and claims of Hamas’ alleged aid theft. However, evidence suggests that Palestinian civilians are being deliberately targeted while attempting to access basic necessities like food.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/aug/09/a-deadly-scheme-palestinians-face-indiscriminate-gunfire-at-food-sites