The pursuit of humanitarian aid in Gaza has tragically resulted in significant loss of life. Since late May, nearly 800 individuals have perished while attempting to access essential assistance, according to the United Nations. A majority of these fatalities occurred near sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by the United States and Israel.
These events unfolded after a prolonged halt in supplies to the Gaza Strip, raising alarms about an impending famine. The UN has documented hundreds of killings in the vicinity of GHF sites and along aid convoy routes, with gunshot wounds being the predominant cause of injury. While the GHF denies fatal shootings occurred directly at its aid points, the Israeli army attributes the violence to Hamas.
The situation underscores the dire circumstances faced by civilians in Gaza and raises serious concerns about adherence to international humanitarian law. The UN emphasizes the unacceptability of civilians facing the choice between starvation and the risk of being shot while seeking essential supplies.
