The UN human rights office said it had recorded at least 798 killings in and around aid points in Gaza, including those run by the US-Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), as of July 7. The figures include 615 deaths near GHF sites and 183 incidents related to aid convoy routes, Reuters reports, BTA reports.
The GHF, which began distributing food packages in late May, uses private American security and logistics companies, thus largely bypassing the UN system, which Israel says has allowed aid to be diverted from Hamas.
The spokeswoman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Raveena Shamdasani, said in Geneva:
“As of July 7, we have recorded 798 killings, including 615 near GHF sites and 183 along the likely routes of aid convoys.“
The UN has described the GHF's actions as “inherently dangerous“ and a violation of the principle of humanitarian impartiality. For its part, GHF denies that there have been incidents at its sites, but refuses to provide details about coordination with other humanitarian organizations.
The situation raises questions about the effectiveness, safety and coordination of international aid distribution in Gaza, especially in conditions of heightened tension and limited access.