DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — At least five people were killed and several others wounded on Sunday as they approached two aid distribution points in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials and witnesses. The sites are operated by a group backed by Israel and the United States.

The Israeli military stated that it fired warning shots at individuals who were approaching its forces. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as the past two weeks have seen numerous shootings near these new aid hubs, where thousands of Palestinians are seeking food after enduring 20 months of conflict. Witnesses reported that Israeli troops have opened fire, resulting in over 80 fatalities, as confirmed by Gaza hospital officials. In total, at least 108 bodies were reported to have been brought to hospitals in Gaza over the last 48 hours, according to the territory's Health Ministry.

Four of the deceased were taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, while Al-Awda Hospital reported receiving the body of a 42-year-old man along with 29 others who were injured near another distribution point in central Gaza. The military claimed that it fired warning shots around 6:40 a.m. but did not observe any casualties at that time.

A spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) stated that there was no violence reported at any of its distribution sites, all of which successfully delivered aid on Sunday. The GHF had temporarily closed these sites last week to discuss safety protocols with the Israeli military and had advised people to adhere to designated access routes.

Witnesses described the chaotic scene in southern Gaza, which unfolded around 6 a.m. Many individuals rushed to the site, eager to secure food before larger crowds arrived. Adham Dahman, who was treated at Nasser Hospital, recounted, "We didn’t know how to escape. This is a trap for us, not aid." Another witness, Zahed Ben Hassan, expressed confusion over the shooting, stating, "They said it was a safe area from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. ... So why did they start shooting at us?"

The new aid hubs are located within Israeli military zones, where independent media access is restricted. Gaza's population of approximately two million is heavily reliant on international aid, as local food production capabilities have been severely compromised. The GHF, primarily composed of American contractors, is intended to replace a system previously coordinated by the United Nations and other international aid organizations.

Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the U.N. denies, asserting that the new system fails to meet the growing needs of the population. The U.N. has also criticized the Israeli military's restrictions, which have hampered aid delivery efforts.

Experts have warned that Gaza faces a critical risk of famine if the blockade is not lifted and military operations cease. Israeli officials have indicated that their military campaign will persist until all hostages are returned and Hamas is neutralized.

Hamas, which initiated the current conflict with an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has stated it will only release remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire. Negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have stalled for months.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting over 54,800 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children. Israel claims to have killed over 20,000 militants, although it has not provided evidence to support this figure. The war has devastated large areas of Gaza, displacing around 90% of its population.