Death Trap

1 June 2025

On June 1, 2025, Palestinians in Rafah walked toward what they believed was a lifeline, an aid distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Instead, it became a death trap. As crowds approached, Israeli forces opened fire, killing at least 31 people and injuring over 170. Witnesses described gunfire from tanks, drones, and naval boats, with many victims shot in the back as they tried to flee.

This was just one in a string of deadly incidents: on May 27, 10 people were killed and 62 wounded; on May 31, three more were killed; and on June 3, at least 27 were killed and over 160 injured. The UN’s human rights chief warned that Palestinians now face an impossible choice - risk being shot while trying to get food, or die from hunger.