The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of 27 civilians near an aid centre in Gaza, condemning the attacks as potential war crimes.
In a strong statement, Türk expressed deep concern over repeated fatalities near distribution centres backed by the US and Israel. “Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law, and a war crime,” he said.
He emphasized the dire choices facing Palestinians: “die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israel’s militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism.”
Threat of Starvation and Forced Displacement Highlighted
Türk also warned that the “wilful impediment” of access to humanitarian aid “may constitute a war crime.” He further cited Israel’s military actions, including forced displacement, large-scale destruction, and threats to depopulate the Gaza Strip, as “elements of the most serious crimes under international law.”
He labelled the targeting of civilians attempting to receive food as “unconscionable,” noting that for three consecutive days, civilians were killed while trying to reach food aid.
Aid Distribution Shifted to GHF After UN Role Diminishes
Aid in Gaza is now coordinated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a group backed by Israel and the US. This marks a departure from the UN’s previous role. The GHF relies on private contractors to deliver food through Israel-designated sites.
Recent images from the central Gaza Strip show Palestinians collecting aid from the GHF’s designated distribution points. Meanwhile, the IDF reported the deaths of three soldiers—two combat medics and a squad commander—killed by an explosive device in Jabalia during operations.
Disputed Account of Shooting Near Aid Hub
While the GHF claimed its aid distribution occurred “safely and without incident,” Gaza’s civil defence reported that Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians waiting near an aid hub. The IDF confirmed firing near the aid site, saying it had “identified several suspects” near the complex.
The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, stated that the latest violence left 27 people dead and 90 injured.
GHF acknowledged the incident, stating: “We understand that IDF is investigating whether a number of civilians were injured after moving beyond the designated safe corridor and into a closed military zone. This was an area well beyond our secure distribution site and operations area.”
They added: “We recognize the difficult nature of the situation and advise all civilians to remain in the safe corridor when traveling to our distribution sites.”
