Israelis kill more than 30 Palestinians near food distribution centers

(Patria) - Israeli troops opened fire yesterday in southern Gaza on a large number of Palestinians waiting to receive food from distribution centers run by a US and Israel-backed group.

At least 32 people were killed by the Israeli army.

Associated Press reports on two incidents that occurred near centers managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), which launched operations at the end of May.

The US and Israeli governments are seeking to replace the old UN-run aid distribution system in Gaza, claiming Hamas militants are stealing supplies. The United Nations denies these allegations.

Palestinians were killed as they gathered in the Teina area, about three kilometers from a GHF aid distribution center, east of the city of Khan Yunis.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis reported receiving 25 bodies, along with dozens of wounded.

Seven other people, including a woman, were killed in the Shakuš area, hundreds of meters north of another GHF center in Gaza's southernmost city - Rafah. The death toll was also confirmed by the Ministry of Health.

While the GHF claims to have distributed millions of meals to hungry Palestinians, local doctors and witnesses say hundreds of people have died from Israeli army fire while trying to reach distribution centers.

The army, which is not at the locations but secures them from a distance, says it only fires warning shots if crowds get too close to its forces.

The GHF, which employs private armed guards, says there have been no fatal shootings at their locations, although 20 people were killed at one of their locations this week, most of them in a stampede.

The group accused Hamas agitators of causing panic, but provided no evidence, AP recalls.