GHF Disputes UN Claims Over Civilian Deaths at Gaza Aid Sites
GAZA/GENEVA – Tensions continue to rise over the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) clashes with United Nations agencies over recent civilian deaths near aid distribution zones.
According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), at least 798 Palestinians were killed between May 27 and July 7, including 615 deaths near GHF aid sites and another 183 along aid convoy routes. OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani shared these alarming figures during a press briefing in Geneva, citing data from hospitals, cemeteries, NGOs, and local authorities.
Shamdasani added that most injuries involved gunshot wounds and warned of potential atrocities against civilians queuing for essential supplies. “We’ve raised concerns about atrocity crimes and the urgent need for investigations into these incidents,” she said.
However, the GHF has strongly rejected the UN’s data, calling the figures “false and misleading.” The foundation, which has delivered over 70 million meals since late May, accused the UN of misattributing casualties. “The most deadly attacks on aid sites have been linked to UN convoys, not ours,” a GHF spokesperson said.
The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics firms to deliver aid directly into Gaza, bypassing traditional UN-led channels, which Israel claims are vulnerable to looting by Hamas-linked groups. Hamas has denied these allegations.
The United Nations, however, has criticized GHF’s aid model as “inherently unsafe” and violating humanitarian standards. Shamdasani dismissed GHF’s rebuttal, saying, “Blanket denials are not helpful. What’s needed are independent investigations into why civilians are dying while accessing aid.”
The Israeli military stated it is reviewing recent incidents and has implemented measures to reduce tension, such as installing fences, placing warning signs, and opening additional access routes for Palestinians.
The UN and other agencies have also reported increasing issues with aid theft and convoy interceptions, with the World Food Programme confirming that most food trucks have been seized by desperate civilians amid extreme shortages.
Now in its 21st month, the war in Gaza has displaced over 2.3 million people, leaving the enclave in ruins and its population in desperate need of food, water, and medical aid.
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