Israeli army kills 17 Palestinians near aid distribution centers in Gaza

24/6/2025 6:13

At least 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces on Monday while waiting for food near two aid distribution centers in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said.

Three separate Palestinian medical sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that at least 10 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for aid near a U.S.-backed distribution center northwest of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

Seven others were killed while waiting for aid south of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a statement issued by the Nasser Medical Complex in the city.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on either incident.

In addition, the Israeli army issued new evacuation orders for the city of Khan Younis, saying it is "operating with extreme force to destroy the terrorist organizations in the area and will attack any site used for launching rockets."

In a separate statement, the Israel Defense Forces said its troops had operated in the Jabalia area of the northern Gaza Strip over the past week to examine and dismantle several underground tunnel routes that were used by Hamas militants.

At least 5,685 Palestinians had been killed and 19,518 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 55,998, and injuries to 131,559, Gaza-based health authorities said on Monday.