Thousands rush into new aid distribution centre in south Gaza

Thousands of desperate Palestinians surged into a newly established aid distribution centre in southern Gaza on Tuesday, sparking chaotic scenes as Israeli authorities introduced a new system for humanitarian aid delivery. The unfolding events in Rafah underscore the deep humanitarian crisis gripping the Gaza Strip, which has been under a strict Israeli blockade since early March.

The incident occurred just days after Israel partially lifted its comprehensive blockade imposed on March 2, a move intended to ease severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies that have left Gazans facing acute deprivation for nearly three months. However, the partial reopening of aid channels quickly revealed the fragile logistics and tensions surrounding the distribution process.

The distribution centre, operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), became overwhelmed as thousands of people gathered to receive much-needed aid packages.