More than 30 people were killed and over 100 wounded while waiting in the early morning to get food from two sites in Rafah and Middle Gaza run by the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to media reports.
The organization is backed by Israel and the United States and uses private US security contractors supervised by the Israeli military. Aid distributions began at the end of May, bypassing the UN and other humanitarian agencies.
Risking their lives
UN chief António Guterres issued a statement on Monday saying he was “appalled” by the reports.
“It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,” he said.
“I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable.”
He stressed that Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid.
Allow UN operations
“The unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately,” he said.
“The UN must be allowed to work in safety and security under conditions of full respect of humanitarian principles.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General continues to call for an immediate permanent, sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“This is the only path to ensuring security for all. There is no military solution to the conflict,” he said.
