Israeli forces nearby fired warning shots amid scenes of panic at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation hub, backed by the United States.
Eyewitnesses described tank fire, with military helicopters overhead firing flares as crowds fled the area.
At least three Palestinians were injured, including one man seen bleeding from his leg.
Thousands had walked miles from overcrowded camps along Gaza’s coastline, desperate after months of Israeli blockade left the region facing famine.
Aid distribution was briefly halted but resumed once the situation returned to calm.
