UN Condemns Israel Over Food Access in Gaza
The United Nations has strongly condemned Israel for the deliberate use of food as a weapon against the population in Gaza, calling it a war crime. The UN has urged the Israeli military to immediately cease shooting at Palestinians attempting to access food distribution points.
Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since May, when Israel imposed a complete blockade cutting off most supply routes into Gaza, the territory’s inhabitants face a critical food shortage. The UN warned that 100 percent of Gaza’s population is at risk of famine, highlighting the severity of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
Violence at Food Distribution Sites
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israel-backed private organization, launched food distribution operations on May 26 amid this blockade. However, the UN and major aid groups have distanced themselves from GHF, citing concerns over its opaque funding and alignment with Israeli military goals.
According to the UN human rights office, violence has erupted around these distribution points. The Israeli military has reportedly fired on Palestinians trying to reach these sites, resulting in tragic losses. Reports indicate over 410 Palestinians have been killed near GHF food distribution locations, with an additional 93 Palestinians killed at UN and other aid convoys. Furthermore, at least 3,000 Palestinians have sustained injuries in these confrontations.
UN Demands Accountability and Immediate Action
The UN has called for comprehensive, impartial investigations into these killings, urging that those responsible be held accountable. The rights office stressed that weaponizing food and denying access to life-essential services not only violates humanitarian norms but also constitutes a war crime under international law.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN rights office, emphasized the critical need to stop the violence: "The Israeli military must stop shooting at people trying to get food and immediately lift all unlawful restrictions hindering humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza."
International Responsibility
The UN also called on the international community to pressure Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza, to fulfill its obligation to provide sufficient food and medical necessities to the civilian population. Without urgent intervention, the humanitarian disaster in Gaza threatens to worsen dramatically.
The unfolding crisis in Gaza reflects a perilous blend of conflict and humanitarian neglect, underscoring the urgent need for global attention to safeguard human lives and dignity.
