The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has raised alarms as the UN human rights office (OHCHR) sheds light on the violence plaguing food distribution efforts. On Wednesday, the office urgently called on the Israeli military to halt the use of lethal force near aid convoys and food distribution sites.
In a grave warning about the escalating violence, the OHCHR highlighted “repeated incidents” where Palestinians have been shot or shelled while simply trying to obtain food. Such actions could potentially be classified as war crimes under international law.
“We are horrified at the **escalating violence** continuously reported in recent days across Gaza, and we call for an immediate end to these **senseless killings**,” the office stated in a press release.
**The Tragic Toll: Hundreds Killed**
Since May 27, when the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—an initiative backed by both Israel and the United States—began distributing food in southern Gaza, the situation has deteriorated dramatically. This new system bypassed the traditional UN-led mechanism, leading to chaos and tragedy. Over this period, hundreds have lost their lives, and many more have been injured near several key distribution points or while waiting for aid.
One particularly devastating incident occurred on June 17, when Israeli military forces reportedly shelled a crowd of individuals waiting for UN food trucks in southern Gaza, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 51 people and injuring around 200 others, according to local health authorities. Just a day prior, similar violence claimed the lives of three Palestinians and injured several others in Beit Lahiya.
“There is **no evidence** to suggest that the individuals killed or injured were involved in hostilities or posed a threat to the Israeli military or GHF personnel,” the OHCHR emphasized.
**Urgent Call for Protection: Civilians and Aid Workers**
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has also weighed in on this critical situation, emphasizing the need for immediate protection for both civilians and aid workers. They noted that only **9,000 metric tons of food** have been delivered within Gaza over the past month—a mere fraction of the 2.1 million people in desperate need.
“**Far too many people have died** while trying to access the trickle of food aid coming in,” the agency remarked in a separate statement. “Any violence that results in starving individuals being killed or injured while seeking life-saving assistance is utterly unacceptable.”
**A Call for Action: Massive Scale-Up Necessary**
The urgent need for food has driven large crowds to gather along well-known transport routes, waiting desperately to intercept humanitarian supplies. The UN emergency food relief agency has stressed that only a **massive scale-up in food distributions** can stabilize the situation, calm community anxieties, and restore a sense of trust that more food will be forthcoming.
“**The time to act is now. Delays cost lives**. We need to be allowed to safely do our jobs,” the agency reiterated, calling for safer convoy routes, expedited permissions, restored communication channels, and additional border openings.
The world watches as this humanitarian crisis unfolds. It is critical that the international community responds decisively to ensure that food access becomes a right rather than a perilous journey. **No one should face violence while seeking nourishment.**
