Conflicting reports have emerged regarding an incident in the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run health ministry claims at least 26 Palestinians were killed and approximately 175 injured while attempting to collect food aid. Israeli officials are disputing these claims.

Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces fired upon crowds located roughly 1,000 yards from an aid distribution point managed by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). A Palestinian journalist informed the BBC that thousands had gathered near the site, close to Rafah in southern Gaza, when Israeli tanks allegedly approached and opened fire.

The stated that it currently has no knowledge of injuries resulting from IDF fire at the aid distribution site, but is reviewing the matter.

The GHF refuted the claims, stating that the reports are false and fabricated, and that aid distribution occurred without incident. They further alleged that Hamas is actively promoting these untrue reports. The GHF has consistently denied previous allegations of chaos and gunfire around its sites, which are located within Israeli military zones with restricted independent access.

The foundation has dismissed what it terms “false reporting about deaths, mass injuries and chaos.”

The aid distribution efforts of the organization have been marked by disorder, with multiple accounts suggesting Israeli troops fired on crowds near the distribution locations. Prior to Sunday’s incident, local health officials reported at least six deaths and over 50 injuries.

The foundation maintains that its private security contractors have not fired on the crowds. The Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots in previous instances.

According to witnesses, Israeli forces ordered the crowds to disperse and return later, hours before dawn, as thousands approached the distribution site. Witnesses stated that when the crowds reached the Flag Roundabout, approximately 1,000 yards away, around 3 a.m., the military opened fire.

Amr Abu Teiba, who was present, stated that there was fire from all directions, including naval warships, tanks, and drones. He claimed to have seen at least 10 bodies with gunshot wounds, as well as several other injured individuals, including women. People reportedly used carts to transport the victims to a field hospital.

Ibrahim Abu Saoud provided a similar account, reporting that he saw many people with gunshot wounds, including a young man who he said died at the scene.

Mohammed Abu Teaima said he witnessed Israeli forces open fire, killing his cousin and another woman who were en route to the distribution site. He said his cousin was shot in the chest and died at the scene, while many others were wounded, including his brother-in-law.

“They opened heavy fire directly towards us,” he stated.

Israel and the U.S., a supporter of the foundation, assert that the new aid system is designed to prevent Hamas from seizing aid. Israel has not presented evidence of systematic diversion, and the U.N. denies that it has occurred.

U.N. agencies and major aid organizations have declined to participate in the new system, arguing that it contravenes humanitarian principles by allowing Israel to control aid recipients and forcing people to relocate to distribution sites.

The U.N. system has struggled to deliver aid after Israel recently eased its blockade of the territory. The groups attribute the difficulties to Israeli restrictions, the breakdown of law and order, and widespread looting.