Local authorities reported that at least 37 Palestinians lost their lives in Gaza during a recent shooting incident near food distribution centers managed by US contractors and guarded by Israeli troops.

These shootings were attributed to Israeli forces by witnesses, who claimed that the troops opened fire early in the morning as hungry Palestinians gathered at two hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private organization that recently started its operations in Gaza with support from Israel and the US.

Monday's death toll marked the highest number of casualties in the ongoing near-daily shootings since the GHF began its activities three weeks ago.

Health officials in Gaza revealed that most of the victims on Monday were attempting to reach the GHF center near Rafah, a city that has been heavily affected by Israeli military actions, as well as a second center in central Gaza. Additionally, four other individuals lost their lives in different locations.

Two Palestinians, Heba Jouda and Mohammed Abed, shared that Israeli forces fired at the crowds around 4 am near the Flag roundabout, which is close to the GHF center. This area has been a frequent site of shootings in the past.

The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that its field hospital in Gaza received 200 patients on Monday, the highest number from a single mass casualty incident. The hospital had treated 170 individuals the day before, many of whom were wounded by gunshots while trying to access food distribution sites.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been compelled to travel long distances and navigate through Israeli military-controlled zones in Gaza, often at night, to reach the new food distribution centers. Despite warnings from the Israeli military and GHF about the dangers of leaving designated routes, many individuals take the risk to secure scarce food supplies.

The Israel Defence Force (IDF) disputed the reported death toll, stating that suspects had approached IDF troops in the Rafah area, prompting the troops to take action to prevent any potential threats. The IDF claimed to have fired warning shots to deter the suspects.

Israel aims for the GHF to replace the previous aid distribution system run by the United Nations, which Israeli officials allege allowed Hamas to exploit and sell aid. However, UN agencies and major aid groups have criticized the new system, labeling it as impractical, insufficient, and unethical.

The conflict in Gaza was initiated by a Hamas incursion into southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians. Subsequent Israeli military operations have claimed the lives of over 55,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction in the region.

Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, condemned the suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza due to Israel's prolonged offensive. Türk urged world leaders to intervene and end the conflict to alleviate the unbearable conditions faced by the population.