Palestinians collect remnants in the GAEF’s aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza. Photo: Reuters.
The UN Human Rights Office has reported that Israeli attacks near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution center—supported by the US and Israel—and other humanitarian convoys have killed at least 613 people. On Friday (July 4), UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva, “We have documented 613 killings. This count is up to June 27. Since then, additional incidents have occurred.” This information was reported by Reuters.
Avoiding the UN-led system, the GHF has been delivering aid to Gaza with the assistance of US private security and logistics companies.
Israel claims that Hamas fighters are hijacking aid in the UN-led distribution system. However, the UN has labeled the GHF method as dangerous and a violation of humanitarian neutrality principles.
Shamdasani further stated that Israel is attacking near GHF distribution centers and humanitarian convoys, which include UN agencies.
GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May. The organization has repeatedly claimed that none of its distribution centers have been attacked.
However, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said that among the 613 deaths, 509 occurred near GHF distribution centers.
OHCHR explained that their figures were compiled from various sources, including hospitals, cemeteries, families, the Palestinian health authority, NGOs, and local partners.
They added that they are still verifying new reports and cannot yet specify exactly where each death occurred.
GHF previously told Reuters it had delivered more than 50 million meals to starving Palestinians over five weeks. The organization alleged that nearly all other aid organizations’ supplies had been looted. Israel lifted its nearly 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19.
However, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told Reuters that some violent looting incidents and attacks on truck drivers had occurred.
In a statement to Reuters, OCHA spokesperson Eri Kaneko said, “As an occupying power, Israel is responsible for ensuring public safety and law and order in Gaza. This includes allowing more emergency aid to enter through multiple crossings and routes to meet humanitarian needs.”
The Israeli military’s aid coordination agency did not immediately comment. However, the Israeli military admitted on Monday that Palestinian civilians had been harmed at aid distribution centers in Gaza.
In Israel’s two-year-long military campaign, much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble. More than 2 million residents have become homeless, leading to an extreme shortage of food and essential goods.
