Activists accuse US envoy Witkoff of enabling deadly Rafah aid site massacre
Activists have accused US Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, of enabling a deadly attack by 'Israeli' forces on civilians gathered at an aid distribution site in western Rafah, southern Gaza, earlier today.
The incident, which has been dubbed the “Witkoff Massacre” on social media under the hashtag #WittkoffMassacre, resulted in significant casualties and has sparked widespread outrage.
Read more: Over 20 killed as "Israeli" forces open fire at Gaza aid distribution site
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 30 Palestinians were killed, with dozens of others in critical condition and at least 30 sustaining severe injuries, among a total of 179 victims who arrived at hospitals following the attack near a US-backed aid distribution center operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Activists claim that 'Israeli' forces opened fire and shelled civilians who had gathered to receive humanitarian aid, describing the site as a “trap” for starving residents.
The accusations against Witkoff stem from his swift rejection of Hamas’s response to a proposed ceasefire deal, which critics argue gave 'Israel' a pretext to escalate its military operations.
Activists on X have circulated claims that Witkoff’s “hasty and irresponsible” statements provided a “green light” for 'Israel' to commit further atrocities in Gaza, specifically targeting civilians at the Rafah aid site.
One post stated, “Starving to death, then killing with the promise of aid. What a disgrace!”.
#WitkoffMassacre
— Sahar Attia (@saharattia2) June 1, 2025
Starving to death, then killing with the promise of aid. What a disgrace! pic.twitter.com/Ivd6FcCE7z
Another posted saying, "This was not aid. This was a trap.".
The massacre at the U.S.-Israeli aid distribution center in Gaza is now being called the #WitkoffMassacre by Palestinians — a grim symbol of betrayal and bloodshed.
— رضا (@ElegantVirtuoso) June 1, 2025
This was not aid. This was a trap.#مجزرة_ويتكوف #GazaGenocide #WarCrimes
pic.twitter.com/DHNzfDnRdM
Witkoff, a real estate magnate with no prior diplomatic experience, has been a controversial figure since his appointment by US President Donald Trump. His role in ceasefire negotiations has drawn scrutiny, with Hamas alleging that he promised to lift the Gaza blockade in exchange for the release of American-'Israeli' hostage Edan Alexander, only for the US to renege on the deal.
Witkoff has denied these claims, and 'Israeli' officials have dismissed Hamas’s interpretation of ceasefire proposals as unacceptable.
