Palestinians say Israeli forces opened fire on people trying to access a U.S.-backed group's aid distribution hub in Gaza, in the deadliest of such incidents reported to date.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation stated that Hamas killed at least eight of its aid workers in an ambush yesterday. The incident follows threats by Hamas "against any entity or individual that collaborates or coordinates with the enemy's schemes" and claims by sources on the ground that Hamas Arrow Unit members have attempted to disrupt aid distribution.

The war began when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage. They are still holding 53 captives, less than half of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.