Over 20 Killed in Stampede at Gaza Aid Center Amid Growing Hunger Crisis

Over 20 Killed in Stampede at Gaza Aid Center Amid Growing Hunger Crisis
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More than 20 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday during a chaotic incident at a food distribution site in southern Gaza operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The stampede occurred near Khan Younis after GHF security personnel used pepper spray to control large crowds, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses.

The Gaza Ministry of Health said 15 people suffocated following the use of gas, while four others were trampled to death. One victim reportedly died after being stabbed. A health official said the deceased arrived at hospitals with visible signs of suffocation, including cyanosis and facial swelling.

Eyewitnesses described a panic-inducing scene triggered by the firing of gas canisters at a densely packed crowd. Abdel Ghani Rouqa, who lost his 20-year-old nephew in the incident, said people were forced to risk their lives in hopes of securing basic food items for their families. He blamed the deaths on gas use and overcrowding worsened by Israeli military restrictions on movement in the area.

GHF denied responsibility, claiming that the incident was instigated by armed individuals affiliated with Hamas who infiltrated the crowd. A spokesperson for the foundation said pepper spray—not teargas—was used to prevent further casualties, and warning shots were fired after a child was spotted in danger.

The group also alleged one of its medics was stabbed while trying to intervene in an altercation. The foundation, a newcomer to aid distribution in conflict zones, runs just four aid sites in Gaza. Its approach has drawn criticism from humanitarian experts who warn that such limited access cannot meet the needs of over two million residents facing extreme hunger.

A U.S. pledge of $30 million in funding for GHF sparked backlash from lawmakers, with Senator Chris Van Hollen calling it “outrageous” and accusing the group of endangering civilians.

Since the outbreak of war in 2023, Israeli military operations have killed over 58,000 Palestinians—mostly civilians—and severely damaged hospitals and critical infrastructure. Rights groups have condemned the mounting toll and the continued targeting of aid-seeking civilians.