Fact Check: Over 400 people killed since new aid foundation began operations in Gaza.

Fact Check: "Over 400 people killed since new aid foundation began operations in Gaza."

What We Know

The claim that "over 400 people killed since new aid foundation began operations in Gaza" is based on reports of violence surrounding aid distribution sites established by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). According to The New York Times, health officials in Gaza reported multiple incidents of shootings that resulted in casualties, with numbers varying widely. For example, on June 3, it was reported that at least 27 people were killed when Israeli soldiers opened fire near a food distribution site, and on June 1, at least 23 were killed in a similar incident.

Recent reports indicate that the situation has escalated, with sources like the BBC stating that over 51 Palestinians were killed in a single incident near an aid distribution site in Khan Younis. The World Health Organization noted a correlation between aid distribution sites and mass casualty incidents, further complicating the situation.

The GHF, which began operations at the end of May 2025, has faced criticism for its ties to Israeli forces and the limited number of operational aid sites, which has led to chaotic and dangerous conditions for those seeking assistance. Reports from various organizations, including the Los Angeles Times, suggest that hundreds have been killed since the GHF's operations began, but exact numbers remain difficult to verify due to the ongoing conflict and lack of independent reporting from the area.

Analysis

The claim that over 400 people have been killed is partially true. While there are credible reports of significant casualties linked to the GHF's operations, the exact figure of 400 is not universally confirmed. The New York Times and BBC provide evidence of numerous fatalities, but the numbers vary significantly depending on the source and the specific incidents reported.

The reliability of the sources reporting these figures varies. The New York Times and BBC are established news organizations with a history of journalistic integrity, but they also face challenges in reporting from conflict zones like Gaza, where access is restricted. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the violence associated with aid distribution but often rely on local health ministries for casualty figures, which can be politically influenced.

Additionally, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's operations have been criticized for their lack of transparency and independence, which raises questions about the accuracy of the reported numbers. The Wikipedia entry on the Rafah aid distribution killings summarizes various incidents and casualties but also indicates that precise figures are difficult to ascertain.

Conclusion

The claim that "over 400 people killed since new aid foundation began operations in Gaza" is partially true. While there is substantial evidence of significant casualties related to the GHF's operations, the specific figure of 400 is not definitively supported by all sources. The chaotic nature of the situation, combined with the challenges of verifying information in a conflict zone, means that while many have indeed lost their lives, the exact count remains uncertain.