Fact Check: Over 500 Palestinians killed approaching aid sites since May 27.

Fact Check: "Over 500 Palestinians killed approaching aid sites since May 27"

What We Know

The claim that "over 500 Palestinians have been killed approaching aid sites since May 27" is supported by multiple sources, including the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, which reported that more than 500 Palestinians have died and thousands have been injured while trying to access aid distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) since its operations began in late May 2025 (source-2). Eyewitness accounts and reports from medical personnel corroborate these figures, indicating that many deaths occurred due to Israeli military actions aimed at controlling crowds near these aid distribution points (source-1).

The GHF, which is backed by both U.S. and Israeli entities, has faced criticism for its operations, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres labeling the aid distribution system as "inherently unsafe" due to the militarized zones where aid is provided (source-2). Reports indicate that the Israeli military has fired on crowds approaching these sites, leading to numerous casualties (source-4).

Analysis

The assertion that over 500 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid is substantiated by the Gaza Health Ministry and corroborated by various news outlets. The GHF's operations have been marred by violence, with reports of Israeli forces opening fire on civilians attempting to access aid (source-1). Notably, the GHF's leadership has acknowledged the occurrence of deaths near their sites but disputes the attribution of these casualties solely to Israeli military actions, suggesting that the context of the violence is more complex (source-2).

While the Israeli military has denied intentionally targeting civilians, stating that they only fire warning shots, the frequency of reported casualties raises significant concerns about the operational environment surrounding these aid sites (source-8). The credibility of the sources reporting these events varies; while the Gaza Health Ministry is a primary source, it is important to note that it does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its casualty figures, which could affect the interpretation of the data (source-4).

The ongoing conflict and the chaotic conditions in Gaza complicate the verification of these claims, as access for independent journalists is severely restricted, limiting the ability to confirm the circumstances surrounding these deaths (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "over 500 Palestinians have been killed approaching aid sites since May 27" is True. This conclusion is based on consistent reporting from multiple credible sources, including the Gaza Health Ministry and various news outlets, which document the fatalities associated with the GHF's aid distribution efforts. Despite the Israeli military's denials of targeting civilians, the evidence presented suggests a troubling pattern of violence against those seeking humanitarian assistance.

Fact Check: Over 500 Palestinians killed approaching aid sites since May 27.