The Gaza Health Ministry said Monday that at least 1,965 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave since May, mostly near private-run aid centers.

Eyewitnesses reported Israeli forces opened fire around the distribution sites, which are operated by the American-led, Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Their centers replaced the United Nations’ decades-old aid system.

Humanitarian groups, including the U.N., have called for the foundation’s dismantling. More than 100 organizations accused Israel of weaponizing aid, citing repeated violence near distribution points.

The ministry’s latest figures came as 27 Palestinians were killed Monday while seeking aid, underscoring worsening conditions in the besieged territory after nearly two years of war.

The ministry also reported that at least 263 Palestinians, including 112 children, have starved to death since Israel imposed a total blockade in May.

The number of starvation deaths rose sharply in July and August. Images and videos of emaciated children and elderly residents, some near death, have circulated widely online.

The humanitarian crisis has spurred international outrage. France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Portugal all announced their plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September in response to the horrific situation.