Thousands Storm New Israel-US Backed Gaza Aid Center Amid Chaos

Thousands of desperate Palestinians overwhelmed a newly established aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza, on the second day of operations by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a group backed by Israel and the United States. Crowds broke through fences, leading Israeli troops securing the area to fire warning shots, with reports of live ammunition used by security contractors to disperse the crowds amid chaos and panic. While the Israeli military denied firing from helicopters or directly at the center, multiple eyewitnesses and journalists reported hearing gunfire and seeing military aircraft overhead. The aid center, tasked with distributing food boxes after months of blockade-induced famine, faced criticism as Palestinians rushed to receive scarce supplies, with some reports of looting and injuries. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation stated that operations resumed after a temporary fallback to allow a small number of people to safely collect aid, emphasizing the overwhelming demand and ongoing distribution efforts. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations expressed concern over the situation, describing the scenes as heartbreaking amid the dire humanitarian crisis.