Chaos at New Gaza Aid Sites Amid Accusations

Thousands of Palestinians rushed to newly opened U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid distribution centers in Rafah, southern Gaza, as food shortages deepened following nearly three months of Israeli blockade. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), operating the centers under strict Israeli security and biometric screening, distributed about 8,000 food boxes on its first full day. Chaos erupted when crowds overwhelmed the fences and Israeli forces fired warning shots to control the situation, though there were no immediate reports of injuries. Hamas warned civilians against using the sites, alleging they were part of an Israeli plot for data collection and population control, and blamed the disorder on GHF and Israeli authorities. Israel and GHF accused Hamas of attempting to block aid access, an allegation Hamas denied. While some Gazans expressed relief at receiving free aid for the first time during the conflict, many remain anxious about surveillance and future reprisals.