UN: Over 1,300 Palestinians Killed at Gaza Aid Sites Since May as Israel Faces Global Pressure
11 August 2025 – Gaza Strip: A UN-backed investigation has found that since late May, more than 1,373 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,900 injured while seeking food and humanitarian aid at distribution points and along aid convoy routes in Gaza. Palestinian health officials claim the real number is closer to 1,450 fatalities, but verification in conflict zones remains challenging.
UN Data and Verification Challenges
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) says its figures cover the period from 27 May to 31 July and are based on verified incidents. Independent confirmation is hampered by restricted access, ongoing military operations, and conflicting accounts from the parties involved.
Israel’s Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deny deliberately targeting civilians at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid sites, stating that their troops only return fire when “threatened by armed militants embedded in crowds.” Israeli officials accuse Hamas and other armed groups of using aid distribution points as cover to move fighters and weapons.
An IDF spokesperson said: “We are committed to the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. We work with international partners to improve security protocols, but Hamas’s cynical exploitation of civilians puts lives at risk.”
International Reaction
- United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “appalled” and called for an independent investigation, warning that such incidents may constitute war crimes.
- United States: The U.S. State Department urged Israel to review operational procedures and ensure aid is delivered “without endangering civilians.”
- European Union: The EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for “accountability and reform” of the GHF model, stressing that “humanitarian operations must never be militarized.”
- Arab League: Condemned the killings and accused Israel of “deliberate targeting of civilians under the guise of security operations.”
Humanitarian Groups Condemn ‘Militarized Aid’
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have labelled the aid distribution system a “death trap,” citing inadequate crowd control, lack of safe corridors, and the presence of armed contractors. They argue that the combination of militarized zones and desperate civilians creates inevitable tragedy.
Looking Ahead
The GHF has pledged to revise its delivery model, including pre-registration of aid recipients and alternative drop-off sites. The UN says it will continue to monitor conditions and press for measures that ensure aid delivery does not place civilians in harm’s way.
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