In Khan Younis, Gaza, a tragic incident unfolded as families gathered for aid distribution. Thirteen-year-old Yazan Musleh was shot during a chaotic scene when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of people seeking food. His father, Ihab, had brought Yazan and his older brother, Yazid, from their shelter in al-Mawasi to a distribution point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Early that Sunday morning, Ihab and his sons walked for an hour and a half to reach the al-Alam Roundabout in Rafah. Concerned about the large crowd, Ihab told his sons to wait on a nearby hill while he approached the gates. As the line moved closer, gunfire erupted from tanks and drones, and chaos ensued. Ihab recalled seeing Yazan get shot and collapse.
Yazid, who was with Yazan, described the moment vividly, saying, “My brother was hit in the stomach immediately.” As people rushed to help Yazan, he was transported to Nasser Hospital, where doctors found that the bullet had severely damaged his intestines and spleen. He now requires extensive treatment.
Ihab, visibly shaken, expressed his despair at the situation. “I went to get food for my children. Hunger is killing us,” he said. He described the aid distribution as degrading, yet he felt he had no choice but to risk his life for his family’s survival.
The GHF, which has faced criticism for its methods, was supposed to provide a neutral humanitarian response but has been accused of failing to ensure safety during aid distributions. The organization was formed with the backing of the U.S. and has come under scrutiny for its use of private military contractors to secure distribution points.
Another victim, 40-year-old Mohammed al-Homs, was shot twice while attempting to obtain food for his five children. He described the scene as chaotic, with many injured and dead around him. “It felt like the end of the world,” he said, recalling how he lay bleeding for an hour before help arrived.
Khaled al-Lahham, who had previously received aid, also attempted to secure food for his family. He was shot in the leg while still in his car, unable to escape the gunfire. “I never imagined I’d face death for a box of food,” he lamented.
This incident highlights the desperation faced by families in Gaza, where seeking food has become a life-threatening endeavor. As the international community watches, the need for safe and effective humanitarian aid remains critical.