Hunger in Gaza: 3 killed, 46 injured, 7 missing in stampede for food; Israeli soldiers accused of air firing

Rafah: At least 3 people were killed, 46 injured, and 7 missing in a stampede at a food distribution center in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the horrific incident began when Israeli soldiers allegedly fired bullets in the air, causing panic among the hunger-stricken crowd. The United Nations has condemned the incident and demanded immediate action on the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

What happened in Rafah?

Thousands of people gathered at a temporary food distribution center in Rafah to receive relief supplies. Gaza has been facing a severe shortage of food, medicines and other essential items due to the complete blockade imposed by Israel since March 2025. As soon as the aid distribution began, a huge crowd broke the center's fence and rushed towards the food items. Meanwhile,

Israeli soldiers stationed nearby fired bullets in the air to control the situation, which further intensified the stampede. Local eyewitnesses said that people panicked at the sound of firing and started running, crushing each other. Gaza's Health Ministry confirmed that the dead included two women and a child, while many of the injured were in critical condition. Seven people are yet to be found, and it is believed that they may be trapped under the rubble. 

Israeli army's claim

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) claimed that their soldiers had fired warning shots in the air outside the distribution site as the crowd was becoming "unruly". The IDF said that they did not intend to harm anyone, and they take every possible step to minimize civilian casualties. At the same time, they accused Hamas of carrying out its activities in civilian areas, leading to such incidents.

Humanitarian crisis situation in Gaza

The Israel-Hamas war, which began after a Hamas attack on Gaza on 7 October 2023, has brought the region to the brink of devastation. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 53,500 people have been killed so far, including a large number of children and women. Israel's blockade since March 2025 has almost completely stopped food and medical supplies, increasing the risk of starvation and diseases. A recent UN report said that 85% of Gaza's population (about 1.9 million people) has been displaced from their homes, and more than 70% of the infrastructure has been destroyed.

Rafah, which was previously considered a safe zone, has now become the largest center of displaced people. But Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in recent months have also turbulently affected the area. The airstrikes on 24-25 May 2025 killed 182 people, including children and women, which further worsened the situation.

International response

The United Nations has strongly condemned the stampede and demanded Israel to lift the blockade so that humanitarian aid can reach unhindered. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, "This vicious cycle of hunger and violence in Gaza must be stopped immediately. This is a disaster for humanity."

India has also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. "We are saddened by the deaths of civilians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a ceasefire," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Hamas and local reaction

Hamas called the incident "another example of Israeli brutality" and claimed that air firing deliberately provoked the stampede. Gaza's state media office accused Israel of "genocide and ethnic cleansing" and demanded immediate intervention from the United Nations and the international community. Local residents expressed anger on Twitter, writing, "We are dying of hunger, and Israel is killing us. Why is the world silent?"

Challenges ahead

The stampede is another tragic example of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently reiterated his vow to "eradicate" Hamas, which is likely to lead to further intensification of military operations in Gaza. On the other hand, Hamas has blocked the release of hostages, which has further complicated the ceasefire efforts.

Experts believe that this cycle of hunger and violence in Gaza will not stop until the blockade is lifted and the supply of aid is restored. But amid the growing tension between Israel and Hamas, the possibility of a ceasefire looks bleak.

Conclusion

The stampede for food in Rafah has once again brought the deteriorating situation in Gaza to the world. Palestinians, struggling with hunger, violence and displacement, are now fighting a battle for survival. The allegations of aerial firing on Israeli soldiers and the condemnation of the United Nations make the matter even more serious. Will the international community be able to stop this tragedy, or will the devastation of Gaza continue? This question is a challenge for the whole world.