At around 6:00 AM on Saturday, May 31st, at least five men and one child were killed, and others injured, when members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly opened fire on a crowd of people near Al-Alam roundabout. Those gathered were reportedly trying to reach what was described as the “American aid company’s” aid center, west of Rafah – the recently established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israel backed-organisation set up as an alternative to UN coordinated humanitarian distribution mechanisms in Gaza.
At 6:31 AM local time, Twitter/X user @Masked7abdomazen wrote that several people were injured “by Israeli sniper fire”, including Fathi Wael al-Nahhal, while “attempting to reach the American company’s aid center near Al-Alam roundabout.” This was the first report of civilian harm near Al-Alameda roundabout.
Similar reports came online in the minutes that followed. These initial sources, such as Snd_pal, Radio_shaab, PalinfoAr, LastOneFRMaybe, AlMayadeenLive, Alarabytv_BRK posted to Twitter/X and attributed the shootings to the Israeli military.
At around the same time, @Sa7atBreaking posted to Twitter/X, reporting that one person had been killed, and others injured, “by the fire of the occupation army while trying to reach an aid center west of Rafah”. Twitter/X user @bwjbryl09534206 shared the same.
About fifteen minutes later, Twitter/X user @Masked7abomazen said that thousands of people had headed to the aid distribution center west of Rafah, and that “Ambulance crews transported dozens of people injured by Israeli army fire”.
Radio Hayat, writing to Facebook at 11:30 AM local time said 50 people had been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours, including two people who were killed while “trying to approach the American Company’s aid center near Al-Alam roundabout”.
Posting to Facebook about two hours later, Hazem Mazid said that two people had been martyred and “tens wounded”, and named two people: Fathi Wael al-Nahhal and Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Matar.
At 3:16 PM local time, Arab Organization for Human Rights in Britain posted on Facebook, announcing that three people were killed by Israeli military fire while trying to reach the American aid distribution point near Al-Alam roundabout. The organization added that 14 people, including those three near the Al-Alam roundabout, had been killed since dawn.
A post later in the day, in the early evening, by Amal Carag to Facebook said that five people had been killed and others wounded by “Israeli army fire” as they “tried to reach the American company’s aid center west of Rafah.” In her post, Fathi Wael al-Nahhal, Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Matar, Ahmed Samir Mahmoud al-Boji, Ahmed Ashraf Abdel Hamid Al-Homs, and Alaa Hussein Khalil al-Luqh as killed. Other Facebook users, including Qusai Abbasi and Mohammed Awad, shared the same later in the evening. A sixth individual, 15-year-old Mohammad Osama Yousef Abu Khatr, was also reportedly killed in the shootings near Al-Alam roundabout on the morning of May 31st.
At around midnight on June 1, Facebook user “Catch an agent” wrote that eight people had been killed “while trying to reach an aid center…west of Rafah.” The account named Fathi Wael and Ahmed Muhammad as killed. This was the highest number of people reportedly killed while trying to reach the aid center. As such, eight fatalities, has been recorded as the upper limit of the range of those killed in this incident. This will be updated should additional information become available.
Remembering Ahmed Ashraf al-Homs
Ahmed was killed on his twentieth birthday. In a post shared by his uncle, Asad Hams. Asad wrote “with words that break the heart…and bring tears to the eyes.” He added, “We were going to celebrate your birthday, but you beat us to it.” Asad wrote about the close relationship that Ahmed shared with his uncle, saying that Ahmed “kept no secrets” from Asad, and that as a result, Asad “knew what goes on in his mind, what goes through his heart, and the details of his feelings.” As a result, Asad “never felt for a moment that I was his uncle, he was in the position of my son and my friend.” Asad also shared two images of Ahmed. In the first, Ahmed wears dark pants, dark boots, and a dark grey hoodie and black hat. He sits proudly on a white hours and smiles toward the camera. In the second, Ahmed and Asad lean against a white wall and smile toward the camera.
Ahmed Shoran also remembered Ahmed on his birthday. Posting to Facebook, Ahmed Shoran wrote that Ahmed “was calm in nature, spoke little, and had a big heart.” Ahmed Shoran described that even while being displaced, Ahmed “had a big heart” and from their first moments together, “he entered my heart.” Ahmed Shoran went on to say that Ahmed had been “looking for work to be a help and support to his family in light of the circumstances we are going through.” Ahmed Shoran went on to say that in visiting Ahmed’s family daily, Ahmed “welcomed me with every visit to them, which was almost daily, with a calm smile that I know all the meanings of respect, politeness, and morals” and “always insisted that I enter and sit with them.” Ahmed Shoran closed his tribute to Ahmed saying that he “left us as a martyr, and he had a large side of love.” Accompanying his words, Ahmed Shoran shared a picture of Ahmed in the picture, Ahmed sits in a red chair and wears a charcoal thobe. He smiles warmly toward the camera.
Another family member of Ahmed’s, Hamouda Al-Hamas, also shared the photo of Ahmed smiling in the charcoal thobe, along with another photo, in which Ahmed poses with a man, maybe his father or an uncle, in front of a white Nissan SUV. In the picture, Ahmed wears leather dress shoes, dark pants, and a green or brown dress jacket. In both images, Ahmed smiles brightly toward the camera.
The Facebook account ‘The Al-Hamas family in the homeland and diaspora’ also posted to celebrate Ahmed’s life and offer condolences to his family. The account share the same image of Ahmed, wearing the charcoal those.
Remembering Ahmed Samir Mahmoud al-Boji
Safa.ps reported the death of Ahmed Samir Mahmoud al-Boji at 3:41 PM local time, writing that Ahmed was “martyred by Israeli occupation forces’ bullets near the American company’s aid center west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.” The platform posted an update seven minutes later, writing that Ahmed Ashraf Abdel Hamid al-Hams was also martyred “by Israeli occupation forces’ bullets near the American company’s aid center west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.”
Ahmed’s friend Ahmad Yhya Awaja Awaja posted to Facebook to remember Ahmed, his “dear, kind, and boundless friend.” Ahmad wrote that Ahmed “was martyred while trying to obtain American aid. May God have mercy on you, my dear.” Alongside his words and prayers, Ahmad shared an image of Ahmed. In the picture, Ahmed a teen or young man, is dressed up. He wears a white button-down with black buttons under a black suit jacket. He also wears a black bow-tie.
According to a post shared to Facebook by Abu Bakr al-Bouji, Ahmed had been living in a five-story house, inhabited by five people, before it was destroyed. Following their home’s destruction, Ahmed moved to “an unfit tent” to the west of Khan Younis. As his family “[groaned] under the weight of hunger and need”, Ahmed wanted to bring flour to his family. Ahmed went with his friends to bring food back to his mother, father, brothers, wife, and children. Instead, Abu Bakr wrote that an Israeli sniper killed him.
Ahmed’s friend Ahmad Yhya Awaja Awaja posted to Facebook to remember Ahmed, his “dear, kind, and boundless friend.” Ahmad wrote that Ahmed “was martyred while trying to obtain American aid. May God have mercy on you, my dear.” Alongside his words and prayers, Ahmad shared an image of Ahmed. In the picture, Ahmed a teen or young man, is dressed up. He wears a white button-down with black buttons under a black suit jacket. He also wears a black bow-tie.
Ahmed’s uncle, Abu Ahmed Al-Boji, shared the same image, praying for Ahmed, writing “May God have mercy on him and accept you among the martyrs.”
Remembering Fathi Wael al-Nahhal
While the first report from @Masked7abdomazen said that Fathi was injured, it appears that he ultimately succumbed to his wounds. At about 11 AM, the Al-Nahhal family council Facebook account announced that Fathi had been killed by Israeli forces bullets. The account shared an image of Fathi, smiling at the camera. In the photo, Fathi, who has a freckle on his left cheek and light moustache, beard, and goatee, sits behind the wheel of a white Hyundai. He wears grey wash jeans, white Nike Air Force 1 shoes, and a denim jacket with a white fleece lining. he holds an iPhone in his hand and has a ring on his middle finger.
Fathi’s cousin, Samah Zaid, shared the same image of Fathi, and offered a prayer, writing “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on you, Fathi”, adding “My cousin is a guest of the Most Gracious. The young man from the family, Fathi Wael Noman Al-Nahhal, was martyred by the bullets of the Israeli occupation forces at the Al-Alam roundabout”.
Another relation of Fathi’s, Seham H. Alnahhal, also shared the image of Fathi in a car. Attached to her post, Seham prayer for Fathi, as well as “[her] love, Samar”, perhaps Fathi’s mother.
Fathi was also remembered by his uncle, Ahmed Al-Nahhal. Ahmed prayed for his nephew, writing “The eye sheds tears, the heart is sad, and we are truly grieved by your departure, and we say only what pleases Allah.” Ahmed also shared an image of Fathi. In the picture, Fathi wears a black Diesel brand t-shirt and dark pants. His right hand is in his pocket and he smiles happily toward the camera.
Another of Fathi’s uncles, Riad Fathi Al-Nahhal, also remembered Fathi, and shared the image of him in the black t-shirt. Riad prayed for Fathi, and wrote “With great sadness and sorrow, we offer our condolences for the martyrdom of my nephew, the martyr Fathi Wael Al-Nahhal.”
The Facebook account ‘News of the Za’rab family in the homeland and diaspora’ also shared the news of Fathi’s death, and offered “sincere condolences to our brothers and loved ones in the “Al-Nahhal” family for the martyrdom of their son”. The account also shared a martyr’s image of Fathi, which shows Fathi in his Diesel shirt, along with his name and the family’s crest.
Mohammed Al Nahal, also writing to Facebook, prayed for Fathi and shared the same photograph of him.
Amin Hassan also posted to Facebook to remember his friend, Fathi. Sharing prayers for Fathi, Amin also shared an image of Fathi leaning against a BMW car, smiling proudly toward the camera.
Remembering Ahmed Muhammad Mahmoud Matar
Laila H ALfarra also posted to Facebook, praying for Ahmed Muhammad Mahmoud Matar, and announcing his martyrdom. Laila also prayed for Ahmed’s family, and specifically, his wife and children: “May our Lord grant us patience over the separation from our loved ones and comfort the hearts of his wife and children with patience and solace.”
Muhammad’s nephew, Ahmed Al-Batrawy, also posted to Facebook on the afternoon of the 31st, grieving his uncle. Ahmed Al-Batrawy wrote, “With great sadness and sorrow, I mourn the martyrdom of my uncle Ahmed Mohammed Matar. May his soul rest in peace and may God be pleased, not angry.”
Another of Muhammad’s nephew, perhaps Ahmed Al-Batrawy’s brother, Mohamed El-Batrawy, wrote “Uncle Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Matar is a martyr. God Almighty said: “And never think that those who are killed in the way of God are dead.” Mohamed’s post continued with lines from the Quran and prayers.
Remembering Mohammad Osama Yousef Abu Khatr
Hussein Ali Abu Khater also posted on Facebook to offer condolences to Osama Abu Khater, on the martyrdom of his son, Mohammad Osama Yousef Abu Khatr. “May Allah reward you greatly and grant you the best consolation. Cousin, on the martyrdom of your son Mohammad Osama Abu Khater… May God give you patience, there is no power nor strength except in Allah, the Most High, the Almighty.” Looking at photographs, referenced below, it appears that Mohammed may have been a child when he was killed. Reconciling Mohammad’s name against an entry included in the 9th Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) list of fatalities, Airwars confirmed that Mohammad was 15 years old when he was killed.
Hussein also shared an image of Mohammad. In the picture, Mohammad sites on a green railing and there’s a body of water, maybe a river, with an urban bank on the other side. In the picture, Mohammad wears jeans, black and white tennis shoes, a burnt red hood, and a brown leather cross-body bag. He appears relaxed, maybe it was taken on a family vacation.
Facebook account ‘Abu Khater family gathering in the homeland and diaspora’ shared the same image of Mohammed, announcing his martyrdom to his extended family.
Omar Abu As, posting to Facebook and tagging Hussein, also remembered Mohammad. Alongside prayers, Omar shared an image of the young Mohammad. In the picture, Mohammad wears black pants and a black long-sleeved t-shirt. He stands in front of a white crescent decoration from which a golden lantern hangs. The decoration suggests that the image was perhaps taken during a Ramadan celebration.
Facebook account Eastern Pulse also posted to Facebook, sharing an image of Muhammad Osama. Based off the photo, Muhammad was a child. In the photo, Muhammad wears a turquoise t-shirt and blue jeans. He stands on a roof or balcony, and smiles lightly toward the camera.
Facebook account ‘Eastern “comprehensive”’ shared the same image of Muhammad, writing about “the rise of the moon” – a term used to refer to someone who has passed.
Funeral of Fathi, Ahmed Muhammad, and Mohammed Osama
A funeral for Fathi, Ahmed Muhammad, and Mohammed appears to have been held at about 10 AM on the morning of the 31st. A video shared to Facebook by the Palestine TV account showed a group of people, mostly women, mourning the two young men and child. The second clip shows a group of young men crying and waving. One girl says “Goodbye Mohammed, my dear” between tears, while another cries “My dear, my brother”. The next clip shows a group of men standing over two white shrouded bodies and praying. The caption of the video credits Samir Mohammed.
Remembering Alaa Hussein Khalil al-Luqh
In a post shared by Journalist Safinaz Al-Louh to Facebook, Alaa Hussein Khalil al-Luqh was reportedly killed “near the aid collection barracks in Rafah.”
Three other sources, Mohamed Awad, Amal Carag, and Qussai Abbasi, all of whom named Fathi, Ahmed Mohammed, Ahmed Samir, and Ahmed Ashraf, were the only others to report on the death of Alaa.
Where possible, names of victims were cross-checked against fatality records released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH). Airwars’ researchers ascertained the ages of some victims using these lists, matching victims’ names from this incident to entries in the ninth MoH list released on June 23, 2025. Airwars prioritizes the first appearance of a name across these lists for consistency.
Where sources cited a belligerent, all referred to shots fired by Israeli military personnel.
Geolocation indicates GHF proximity.