Gazans Overrun Aid Distribution Center

On Tuesday, thousands of Palestinians stormed a new aid distribution facility in Rafah, southern Gaza, shortly after it began operations under a new initiative supported by Israel and the United States. Social media videos captured masses rushing in to grab food boxes.

IDF Denies Firing on Center, Says Order Restored

The Israeli military, tasked with securing the area, said troops only fired warning shots outside the facility and refuted claims of firing from a helicopter or into the crowd. An Israeli military source clarified that a helicopter was present offshore, not near the distribution center. “Control over the situation was established, food distribution operations are expected to continue as planned, and the safety of IDF troops was not compromised,” the IDF stated.

US Security Personnel Withdraw Amid Chaos

Palestinian sources reported that American security guards assigned to the area retreated during the incident. No injuries were reported. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which oversees the centers, said the withdrawal was intentional to allow a limited number of people to collect aid.

GHF Says Operations Have Resumed

GHF, which coordinates the effort, said in a statement: “The needs on the ground are great. At one moment in the late afternoon, the volume of people at the SDS was such that the GHF team fell back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely and dissipate.” Prior to the disruption, the foundation had reportedly distributed 8,000 food boxes, providing 462,000 meals in total. It claimed operations were now back on track.

Aid Centers Launched to Bypass UN, Avoid Hamas Control

Two of four newly established aid sites began functioning Tuesday, delivering food to thousands. An Israeli official told Ynet no aid was stolen in the incident. The distribution effort is led by the US-based GHF, an Israel-supported body set up to bypass the UN and conventional aid networks, aiming to prevent Hamas from intercepting supplies.

International Criticism Over Distribution Model

The UN and other international groups have refused to endorse the GHF plan, arguing that its southern-only distribution forces displacement and that the access conditions violate humanitarian standards.

Location and Coordination of Centers

Three of the aid hubs are situated in the Tel Sultan area of Rafah, while the fourth is in the Netzarim Corridor near Gaza City. Tuesday’s active centers were both in Rafah. The Israeli military said their setup had been in planning for months with US coordination.

IDF Emphasizes Security and Aid Oversight

“The establishment of the distribution centers took place over the last few months, facilitated by the Israeli political echelon and in coordination with the US government,” the IDF stated. Cooperation included COGAT, the IDF’s Southern Command, GHF, and American private security firms. The IDF vowed to continue supporting humanitarian aid efforts while preventing supplies from reaching Hamas.

Food Boxes Contain Basic Staples

Footage from the distribution sites revealed the boxes included staples such as rice, beans, flour, oil, salt, and canned vegetables—many marked with Israeli labels.

Palestinians Express Fear and Skepticism

Despite the food shortage, some Palestinians hesitated to approach the new centers. “As much as I want to go because I am hungry and my children are hungry, I am afraid,” said Abu Ahmed, a 55-year-old father of seven. He cited fears related to the GHF’s alleged ties to Israel and threats from Hamas discouraging participation.

Hamas Warns Against Visiting Aid Centers

Hamas, which has seen growing public opposition amid the war, issued strong warnings against accessing GHF sites, accusing Israel of using them for intelligence gathering. “Do not go to Rafah… Do not fall into the trap… Do not risk your lives. Your homes are your fortress,” a Hamas-affiliated message read.

Israel Established GHF to Prevent Hamas Diversion of Aid

Although American by registration, the GHF was set up in collaboration with Israel, which distrusted the existing UN-led distribution mechanisms. Israel’s goal was to limit aid access to verified family representatives in tightly controlled zones.

Protesters Attempt to Block Gaza Aid Shipments

Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli police cleared activists attempting to stop aid trucks from leaving Ashdod port. Two protesters, including a leader of the Tzav 9 group and a relative of a slain hostage, were arrested. Videos showed scuffles as another activist group tried to protect the aid deliveries.