Palestinians Recount Rafah Aid Massacre Horror

In the aftermath of the Israeli forces’ opening fire on thousands of people gathered to receive aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah, Gaza, several Palestinians shared their harrowing experiences. Yazan Musleh, a 13-year-old boy, lies in a hospital bed with a large white bandage on his thin torso after being shot in the stomach. The bullet tore through his intestines and spleen, and doctors say he needs long and intensive treatment.

Yazan’s father, Ihab, 40, recounts the terrifying moment when Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd. “When I looked behind the hill, I saw several tanks not far away. A feeling of dread came over me. What if they opened fire or something happened? I prayed for God’s protection.” As the crowd moved closer to the gates, heavy gunfire erupted from all directions. Ihab continues, “I was terrified. I immediately looked towards my sons on the hill, and saw Yazan get shot and collapse.”

Desperation and Humiliation

Ihab explains that he took Yazan and his 15-year-old brother, Yazid, to the Rafah distribution point, desperate to get food for his family. “I went to get food for my children. Hunger is killing us. These aid distributions are known to be degrading and humiliating – but we’re desperate.” Despite the risks, Ihab knows he cannot stop trying to get aid for his family. “I’ll risk it for my family. Either I come back alive or I die. I’m desperate. Hunger is killing us.”

Similarly, Mohammed al-Homs, a 40-year-old father of five, was shot twice while trying to get aid. “I was shot twice – once in the leg and once in the mouth, shattering my front teeth… I collapsed, there were so many injured and dead around me. Everyone was screaming and running. Gunfire was coming from tanks, drones everywhere. It felt like the end of the world.”

Deliberate Targeting

Khaled al-Lahham, a 36-year-old man taking care of 10 family members, was also injured while trying to get aid. “Suddenly, there was loud gunfire all around and people screaming. I felt a sharp pain in my leg – a bullet had passed clean through my thigh… I never imagined I’d face death for a box of food. If they don’t want to distribute the aid, why do they lie to people and kill them like this? This is all deliberate. Humiliate us, degrade us, then kill us – for food?”

The GHF, launched in early 2025, has faced criticism for its methods, with international aid organizations questioning its impartiality and adherence to humanitarian principles. The organization’s head, Jake Wood, resigned two days before distribution began, citing concerns about the foundation’s impartiality. The Boston Consulting Group also withdrew its team and terminated its association with GHF due to concerns over the foundation’s methods .