At Least 20 Killed in Deadly Stampede at Gaza Aid Site

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

At least 20 people have died and dozens were injured in a tragic stampede at a humanitarian aid distribution centre in southern Gaza, according to local medical officials.

The incident occurred at a site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Khan Younis, where large crowds had gathered in desperate search of food and supplies. Eyewitnesses and hospital staff said people were crushed in narrow passageways, with some claiming the site’s gates had been closed while crowds surged forward.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving 21 bodies, stating that victims died from suffocation, crushing injuries, and exposure to crowd-control substances. Videos circulated online showed distraught residents transporting the bodies of children and young men, accusing those managing the aid site of creating dangerous conditions.

One injured survivor described the chaotic scene, explaining how pressure from the crowd caused some people to fall and get trampled. Others claimed security personnel used pepper spray and tear gas to control the surge, though this has been denied by the aid organisation.

The GHF said it had used minimal pepper spray to prevent further injuries but denied firing any weapons or using tear gas. It also rejected accusations that its security personnel had contributed to the chaos, stating that one of their international staff members had even entered the crowd to rescue a child.

The local media office in Gaza, however, blamed the contractors overseeing the aid site for triggering the deadly crush by closing gates and failing to manage the large turnout. There were also unconfirmed allegations that shots had been fired.

This marks the first time the GHF has confirmed deaths at one of its sites, amid growing international concern over how aid is being distributed in Gaza. Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation, pointing to widespread hunger and lack of secure access to essential supplies.

The United Nations has previously raised concerns about the safety and ethics of certain aid distribution methods in Gaza, noting a rise in civilian casualties near relief zones. UN officials say more than 670 people have died near aid distribution points in recent weeks.

International bodies continue to urge all parties to ensure safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and to prioritise the protection of civilians in Gaza.