UN Condemns ‘israel’s’ Use of ‘Militarized’ Aid Mechanism as Food Becomes Battlefield Amid Gaza Site Tragedies
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has sharply criticized Israel for what it describes as a massacre of individuals seeking aid at humanitarian locations in Rafah and near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza. This condemnation comes in light of additional Palestinian casualties resulting from an Israeli strike on an aid site.
Medical sources report that Israeli forces have carried out another assault on Palestinians assembled at a GHF aid distribution center in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than three individuals and injuring 35 others.
This development followed a day after Israeli forces reportedly killed no fewer than 40 individuals at the same site.
The Geneva-based GHF, supported by both Israel and the United States, has been established to serve as an alternative mechanism for delivering aid to Gaza, differing from traditional UN-affiliated organizations.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed grave concern regarding reports of Israeli forces targeting Palestinians seeking aid at Gaza Health Facility distribution centers.
The office reported that Sunday’s killings are the latest in a succession of assaults that occurred from May 27 to 31, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and 80 injuries.
Reports have surfaced reiterating concerns that Israel’s militarized approach to humanitarian assistance is in violation of international aid distribution standards, posing risks to civilians and exacerbating the dire situation in Gaza.
The statement emphasized that utilizing food as a tool against civilians and obstructing their access to essential life-supporting services is classified as a war crime. It further indicated that such actions could also represent components of various other international offenses, including genocide.
“No results.”
Survivors and eyewitnesses of the Israeli strikes recounted their experiences to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) personnel stationed at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
In a statement by Claire Manera, the emergency coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the recent events were characterized as a stark reminder of the perils associated with the new aid delivery system. Describing the system as “dehumanizing, dangerous and severely ineffective,” Manera emphasized that it has led to avoidable civilian casualties. She strongly asserted that humanitarian aid should be managed solely by organizations with the requisite expertise and commitment to ensure it is delivered safely and efficiently.
Mohammad Daghmeh, a 24-year-old displaced individual from Al-Qarara in Khan Younis, recounted his harrowing experience, stating, “I was shot at 3:10 am. Trapped in the situation, I continued to bleed until 5:00 am. Several other men were with me. One of them attempted to assist me but was fatally shot in the head, ultimately dying on my chest. Our only intention in being there was to obtain food to survive like everyone else.”
Mansour Sami Abdi, a father of four, recounted the disorder, noting, “Individuals clashed over just five pallets. They instructed us to take the food—then opened fire from all directions. I had sprinted 200 meters before realizing I’d been wounded. This is not aid. It’s a deception. Are we expected to secure food for our children at the risk of dying?”
The aid facilities commenced operations in the Gaza Strip last Monday. Early the following morning, as thousands of Palestinians gathered at the site, Israeli forces opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians and injuries to dozens more.
The Global Humanitarian Foundation announced it inaugurated a second location on Wednesday. On the same day, Israeli forces reportedly fired upon aid seekers at one of the foundation’s sites located west of Rafah, resulting in the deaths of at least six Palestinians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that Israeli forces have killed 50 individuals and injured hundreds more at GHF locations within the span of less than a week.
On Sunday, the Gaza Ministry of Health issued a statement describing the GHF aid distribution centers as “Israeli death traps.” The ministry claimed these centers represent a new strategy for the forced displacement of Palestinians residing in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has significantly worsened following the implementation of an aid blockade by Israel starting on March 2.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that the ongoing aid blockade has resulted in the tragic deaths of 57 children due to malnutrition-related causes.
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has reported that Gaza is experiencing a phase 5 famine, with almost 71,000 children under five facing the threat of acute malnutrition.
Since October 7, 2023, the conflict initiated by Israel in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians and has left more than 124,000 injured, predominantly affecting children and women.
