Geneva/Gaza Strip — According to reports by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), nearly 800 Palestinian civilians have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza over six weeks as Israeli forces opened lethal fire near distribution points, prompting local civilians to attempt accessing such aid with deadly consequences.
OHCHR Has Record of 798 Killings around Aid Sites
Between May 27 and July 7 the OHCHR documented 798 deaths near aid sites run by U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), and another 183 along aid convoy routes; for more details check: YouTube | Reuters | The Guardian (*15).
Gunshot wounds were identified as the leading cause of fatalities in Syria, and OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani warned:
“We have raised concerns regarding atrocity crimes… where people are lining up to obtain essential supplies, including food.” Wikipedia +2 (Reuters).
Controversial Humanitarian Model
The GHF was launched on May 26 to bypass an almost three-month blockade and currently operates four fortified distribution zones that critics argue are failing Palestinians. Furthermore, over 170 humanitarian groups and UN agencies have demanded a return to UN-led aid channels because GHF’s methods are seen as militarized and inherently unsafe (Wikipedia +8 TIME +8 The Guardian +8)
GHF disagrees with UN figures, disputing incidents at its sites and attributing violence to Hamas or other armed groups. A spokesperson stated:
“Most deadly attacks against aid sites have been associated with U.N. convoys.” Deutsche Welle +3
Reuters +3 Al Jazeera @ 3
OHCHR Report, Gaza Health Ministry Data, and Eyewitness Accounts Suggest Israeli Force Involvement
Statements made in the OHCHR report, Gaza Health Ministry data and eyewitness accounts suggest Israeli forces engaged civilians via gunfire, stun grenades or warning shots intended to disperse crowds perceived as threats near aid zones (Wikipedia +7)
The UN deemed this to be a violation of humanitarian impartiality, noting that “militarized humanitarian assistance” could amount to war crimes (Reuters + The Guardian +).
The IDF has acknowledged reviewing some incidents, stating troops received revised orders to reduce lethal force after multiple civilian fatalities; nonetheless, Israel maintains military control near aid corridors is necessary to prevent diversion to militants and maintain order.
Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The killings at aid distribution points only worsen a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. With over two and a half million displaced residents and acute shortages in food, water, fuel, medicine and medicines supplies; malnutrition among children has skyrocketed; UNICEF reports 50% increases between April and May of acute malnutrition cases with severe cases tripling since February (Sources: Newyorker.com + 4 + The Guardian +4)
Hospitals hampered by fuel shortages are struggling to function, while outbreaks of preventable diseases continue. The United Nations has described Gaza as a “graveyard of starving people”, where civilians must face risky environments just to survive.
Antonio Guterres Condemns Violence, Urges Urgent Reform