At around 7 a.m., on Sunday, June 8, 2025, an alleged Israeli drone, followed by snipers’ bullets, hit a crowd gathered near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution center in the Netzarmin axis, in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. At least one person was killed and at least 29, including at least three children, were reported injured.

Local and regional networks covered the incident. The news agency Safa provided the most detailed information, reporting that the deceased victim was transferred to al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat while the wounded, among them at least three children, were brought to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. At first, Safa correspondent reported that there were “a number” of injured without specifying an exact figure. Later in the morning, he stated that the confirmed number of wounded received in the hospital was 29.

At 1:20 p.m., Safa agency reported the injury of a child from sniper fire.

Local sources reported that Hussam Awda (Muhammad) Haroun, also known as Abu Anas, was killed while trying to collect food for his family. He was 41 years old, and in a photo shared online, he is seen wearing a red polo shirt seated on a sofa with his hands clasped and a gentle smile on his face. At least one source referred to Hussam as being from camp 1.

Hussam’s name has been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) lists, which include national ID numbers. Since October 26, 2023, the MoH has released a number of lists, along with an additional list of medical professionals, which was released on September 17, 2024. Airwars is matching individuals to the first list where their name appeared. In regard to this incident, the name of the victims was matched to the ninth “Palestinian Ministry of Health List of Fatalities in Gaza”, which was released on June 23, 2025.

Friends, relatives and neighbours took to social media to mourn his death.

Eyas Zohod expressed profound sorrow, describing the emotional weight of Hussam’s death. Both a neighbour and a friend, he prayed for his soul to be received into paradise.

Mohammed Al-Khatib Al-Bahr remembered Hussam as a brother and a companion since childhood, while Abu Yazan offered his condolences to the entire Haroun family, calling for divine mercy and eternal peace for Hussam.

Muhammad Al-Hafnawi Al-Ghazzawi recalled his relationship with Hussam as both cousin and brother-in-law. He shared religious verses as a source of comfort and strength and prayed for God’s mercy to embrace his soul.

A heartfelt tribute came from Tariq Salama Abu Muhammad, who posted a photo of them smiling, with Hussam wearing a black cap and t-shirt. In his message, Tariq spoke of heartbreak and loneliness following Hussam’s sudden death, while reflecting on the deep bond they shared over the years as friends, colleagues and brothers in spirit

A graphic video circulating on Facebook from Al-Jazeera showed the moment Israeli forces opened fire on the aid distribution point, with people fleeing in panic and injured children visible at the scene. A boy with a foot injury was carried by a man in his arms. Then a video showed another injured boy in a dark striped T-shirt lying on a wooden stretcher and being carried by a group of men. Finally, a small boy in a green T-shirt and checkered shorts had an injury to his left arm. He was shown being accompanied by a man into an ambulance.

Where sources identified a belligerent, all sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.