Delhi, 1 June (H.S.): Israeli forces opened fire near a US-backed aid distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 Palestinians and injuries to over 80 others. Thousands had gathered at Al-Alam roundabout by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation when the tanks approached. This incident occurred shortly after the US rejected a Hamas ceasefire proposal. The injured were transported to Nasser Hospital, one of the few operational facilities in Khan Younis, some on donkey carts. Hamas condemned the action as a new massacre against hungry civilians, labeling the aid sites as mass death traps. Israel faces increasing international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the UN warning of famine due to an ongoing blockade on aid following the collapse of a brief truce in March.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation(GHF), supported by Israel and the US, has been providing food aid in Gaza since May 26 after a partial blockade lift. However, UN agencies criticize GHF's methods, arguing they contravene humanitarian principles and jeopardize Palestinian safety. The World Food Programme urged Israel to increase food assistance rapidly due to rising desperation. Key UN aid groups have declined to work with GHF, alleging it aligns with Israeli military goals. Meanwhile, Hamas condemned Israeli actions in Rafah, labeling aid sites as mass death traps. Despite signaling openness to a US-backed ceasefire, Hamas's response was deemed unacceptable by US negotiators. Israel warned of severe consequences if Hamas does not accept the ceasefire deal, amid ongoing high civilian casualties since the offensive resumed, with a total war toll exceeding 54,000.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar