Fact Check: "59 Palestinians killed in a single day while seeking food in Gaza"
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, reports emerged stating that at least 59 Palestinians were killed while attempting to access food distribution sites in Khan Younis, Gaza. This incident was characterized as one of the deadliest days for civilians in the ongoing conflict, with health officials in Gaza confirming the death toll and noting that over 200 individuals were wounded during the chaos (NPR, AP News). Most fatalities occurred when a large crowd gathered at an intersection in Khan Younis, waiting for aid trucks carrying flour. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with Israeli military drones and artillery reportedly firing into the crowd (NPR, BBC).
The Gaza Health Ministry indicated that this incident was part of a broader pattern of violence, stating that since late March, at least 400 people had been killed while trying to reach food aid (NPR). The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in severe food shortages, with half a million people reportedly at risk of starvation (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that "59 Palestinians were killed in a single day while seeking food in Gaza" is supported by multiple credible sources, including NPR and the Associated Press, which both reported the death toll as at least 59, with some sources citing 51 initially before the number was updated (AP News, NPR). The discrepancy in numbers can be attributed to the chaotic nature of the reporting and the evolving situation on the ground, where casualty figures can change rapidly as more information becomes available.
Eyewitness accounts and reports from local hospitals corroborate the claims of violence directed at civilians seeking food. For instance, witnesses described the scene as a "massacre," with many people shot while trying to flee (AP News). The Israeli military acknowledged that there were "several casualties" but stated that they were responding to a gathering near an aid truck, indicating a complex and contentious situation (AP News, BBC).
However, it is important to consider the potential biases in the reporting. Sources like NPR and the Associated Press are generally regarded as reliable, but they may still reflect the perspectives of their local contacts and the political climate surrounding the conflict. The Israeli military's statements often emphasize security concerns and the need to prevent aid from benefiting Hamas, which can color the narrative presented in their reports (NPR, BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that "59 Palestinians were killed in a single day while seeking food in Gaza" is Partially True. While the reported death toll of 59 is supported by multiple credible sources, the initial reports varied, with some sources indicating a lower figure of 51. The context of the incident, involving civilians in desperate need of food aid and the violent response from Israeli forces, underscores the tragic circumstances surrounding these deaths. Thus, while the claim holds significant truth, the nuances in reporting and evolving casualty figures warrant a cautious interpretation.
Sources
- As Israel turns its focus to Iran, the death toll mounts in Gaza
- At least 51 Palestinians killed while waiting for aid trucks in Gaza, health officials say
- Israeli forces kill 51 Palestinians waiting for flour at Gaza aid site
- Israeli tanks kill 59 people in Gaza crowd trying to get food
- At least 51 Palestinians killed while waiting for aid trucks in Gaza
- Israeli fire kills 30 in Gaza, medics say, as attention shifts to Iran
- Israel kills 59 Palestinians in Gaza, many while trying to get aid
- Witnesses describe 'horror' after Israeli forces fire at crowd
