Israeli Fire Kills 40 in Gaza, Many Near Aid Distribution Site

Israeli fire killed at least 40 people, half of them near an aid distribution site in Rafah operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on June 16, the territory's Health Ministry said, as UN officials denounced Israeli-backed aid delivery methods.

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CAIRO/GAZA -

Medics said at least 20 people were killed and 200 others wounded near an aid distribution site in Rafah, in the latest in daily mass shootings that have killed hundreds of Palestinians trying to reach food since Israel imposed a new distribution system after partly lifting a near three-month total blockade.

Israel has put the responsibility for distributing much of the aid it allows into Gaza in the hands of the GHF, a new group that operates three sites in areas guarded by Israeli troops.

The United Nations has rejected the plan, saying GHF distribution is inadequate and dangerous and violates humanitarian impartiality principles.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military about the June 16 reports of shootings.

In previous incidents, it has occasionally acknowledged troops opening fire near aid sites, while blaming militants for provoking the violence.

Relatives arrived at Nasser Hospital to mourn the dead. Women and children wept beside bodies wrapped in white shrouds.