Fact Check: "At least five Palestinians were killed near two sites operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on October 8, 2023."
What We Know
On October 8, 2023, reports emerged indicating that at least eight Palestinians were killed in a shooting incident near sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the United States and Israel. Health officials confirmed the deaths, stating that the shooting occurred as crowds were gathering for aid distribution in the southern city of Rafah, with witnesses attributing the gunfire to Israeli military forces (AP News, NPR). The GHF has been operating since May 2025 to facilitate aid distribution in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises exacerbated by military actions and blockades (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that "at least five Palestinians were killed" is supported by multiple reports indicating that the death toll was at least eight, with some sources suggesting that the number could be higher due to ongoing violence in the area (AP News, NPR). Witness accounts and health ministry reports corroborate the occurrence of the incident, with claims that Israeli forces opened fire on civilians approaching the aid distribution points (BBC, Reuters).
The GHF has faced criticism for its operations, which some argue do not adhere to humanitarian principles, and there have been ongoing allegations of violence surrounding its aid distribution efforts (BBC). The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident varies; while major news organizations like the AP and NPR are generally considered credible, the chaotic situation in Gaza complicates verification of details. Furthermore, the GHF's statements about the violence have been met with skepticism, as they are involved in a politically charged environment where narratives can be heavily influenced by differing agendas (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that "at least five Palestinians were killed near two sites operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on October 8, 2023," is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that at least eight Palestinians were indeed killed in the incident, with the context surrounding the GHF's operations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza further substantiating the claim.
Sources
- At least 8 dead in shooting near Israeli and US-supported ...
- US-backed aid group says Hamas killed eight Palestinian ...
- Humanitarian workers killed in Gaza ambush blamed on ...
- 8 are killed in latest shooting near Israeli and US-supported aid site ...
- Fifteen killed by Israeli fire near Gaza aid site, hospitals say
- Gaza: Dozens killed while seeking aid in Gaza, hospitals say - BBC
- Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says five workers killed in ...
- What we know about killings near US-Israeli backed Gaza aid site - BBC