Over 600 fatalities documented by the United Nations at locations close to aid distribution sites and humanitarian convoys in Gaza
The United Nations (UN) human rights office is closely monitoring the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip, where at least 613 Palestinians have been killed and over 4,200 injured while trying to access aid distribution areas since late May 2025 [1]. The majority of these tragic deaths occurred at sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israeli-backed organization.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has created a dangerous environment, particularly for women and girls, with incidents of gender-based violence on the rise [2]. The UN and over 170 charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have criticized the GHF for violating humanitarian norms by forcing Palestinians into overcrowded and militarized zones [1].
Reports suggest that the GHF could be legally liable for complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide due to its role in the situation [1]. The Center for Constitutional Rights has made this assertion, highlighting the seriousness of the accusations.
Recent reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes and shootings continue to result in civilian casualties while Palestinians wait for aid [4][5]. On Friday alone, 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes [1]. Another 20 Palestinians died in shootings while waiting for aid.
Despite these developments, the UN human rights office has not yet conducted a formal investigation into the killings. However, the UN's criticism and calls for accountability suggest ongoing scrutiny of the situation. The UN human rights office has revised its count, stating that 509 out of 613 killings in Gaza since late May occurred at or near the distribution sites of the GHF [1].
The UN human rights office continues to stress the importance of ensuring the safety of civilians in Gaza and has reiterated that the ongoing killings are unacceptable. The office is still receiving new information about the killings and has not yet attributed responsibility for them.
The Israeli military is reported to have shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the aid distribution points operated by the GHF. The killings occurred specifically at or near the GHF's distribution sites, according to the UN human rights office [1].
The UN's ongoing monitoring and the calls for accountability from international organizations underscore the urgent need for action to protect civilians in Gaza and ensure the safety of aid distribution areas.
- The UN's calls for accountability from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) suggest a growing concern over human rights violations, particularly in relation to the violence against women and girls, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
- In light of the UN's continuous criticism and scrutiny, it is crucial for politics to prioritize the protection of civilians in Gaza, ensuring the safety of aid distribution areas and upholding their commitment to human rights.
- In addition to the UN human rights office's concerns over the Israeli military's actions that resulted in civilian casualties at the GHF's aid distribution points, the recent increase in crime-and-justice issues and incidents of gender-based violence further highlight the need for a general-news investigation into the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
