Israeli soldiers use pepper spray near aid center in Gaza, reports of casualties

Israeli forces reportedly used pepper spray on hungry Palestinians gathered for food at a controversial GHF (Global Humanitarian Foundation) distribution center in the al-Shakoush area of Rafah, southern Gaza. A 20-second video showing the incident has gone viral on social media and has been verified by Al Jazeera’s fact-checking unit.

The footage shows three armed Israeli soldiers spraying pepper spray at the crowd. Men, women, and children are seen fleeing in panic—some covering their faces with cloth, others running with sacks of flour on their backs toward safety.

The incident took place on July 10 and was shared online on Saturday, July 19. Based on the video, it appears that GHF security personnel—GHF being an Israel- and US-backed organization—also took part in using the pepper spray.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, since GHF began operating in Gaza in late May, at least 891 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to receive food aid. Of these, 674 deaths occurred in or near GHF distribution centers, according to a UN report dated July 15.

Experts warn that GHF’s controversial operations have undermined the long-standing UN-led humanitarian aid system in Gaza, especially after Israel partially eased its months-long complete blockade.

Following the release of the video, human rights organizations around the world have voiced concern. They note that while people are dying just to access food, such violence at aid centers signals a looming humanitarian catastrophe.