By Ruth Comerford
Since the GHF was launched, Israeli forces have killed more than 400 Palestinians trying to collect food aid, the UN and local doctors say. Israel says the new distribution system stops aid going to Hamas.
The attack comes as Hamas has indicated it is ready for talks on a ceasefire with Israel.
The GHF said the incident “occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food”.
The organisation added it had “repeatedly warned of credible threats from Hamas”, including plans to target American personnel, Palestinian aid workers and civilians.
Hamas has not commented on the incident.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defence agency said 32 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military operations on Saturday.
On Friday, Hamas said it was ready for more talks on a ceasefire agreement put forward by the US.
The plan is believed to include the staggered release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The BBC understands that Hamas wants amendments to the draft, including a US guarantee that hostilities will resume when the ceasefire ends.
Hamas also wants the GHF to be scrapped and aid to be distributed by the UN and its partners only. Israel has previously rejected such demands.
Fifty hostages are still being held in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 70 people have been killed in the territory by Israeli troops in the last 24 hours.
The ministry said the total death toll in Gaza has risen to 57,338 during Israel’s war against Hamas.
The Israeli military launched its campaign in response to the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.