In a tragic escalation in southern Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid site in Rafah, leaving at least 30 Palestinians dead and over 115 wounded, according to local reports.

The attack took place early in the day, as thousands of desperate civilians gathered in hopes of receiving food and supplies. A Palestinian journalist present at the scene stated that Israeli tanks targeted the crowd with live fire. With ambulances scarce, many victims were transported using donkey carts—an indicator of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

Hamas swiftly condemned the attack, describing it as “a new massacre against starving civilians,” and accused Israel of turning supposed aid delivery points into “mass death traps.” The aid centre involved was reportedly funded by the United States and operated in coordination with Israeli authorities, according to a Reuters dispatch.

The deadly shooting unfolded hours after Hamas submitted its response to a U.S.-mediated ceasefire framework. A senior Hamas representative called the group’s position “positive and responsible,” yet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff outright rejected the response, calling it “totally unacceptable.”

Sources within Hamas revealed that their reply reiterated the demand for a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—terms that have long been sticking points in negotiations.

Israel, meanwhile, issued a stern ultimatum, warning Hamas to release hostages and accept the terms of the deal or face complete destruction.

As tensions mount, this latest attack near a site meant for aid delivery underscores the growing risks civilians face amid the ongoing conflict.