UN Demands Probe Of Israeli Strike That Killed 31 At Gaza Aid Site
The United Nations (UN) has called for an urgent and independent investigation into the reported killing of at least 31 Palestinians at an aid distribution site in southern Gaza on Sunday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement on X, expressed outrage over the incident, stating that “It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,” while calling for an investigation into the incident.
“I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday. I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable,” he said.
Guterres stressed that Israel has “clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid”.
He said an uninterrupted entry of aid into Gaza must be restored immediately, adding that the UN must be allowed to operate safely in accordance with humanitarian principles.
Guterres reiterated his call for a “permanent, sustainable ceasefire” and demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of all hostages.
The deadly incident occurred on Sunday, near a site operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health and eyewitnesses said Israeli gunfire was responsible for the deaths and injuries. Over 200 people were reportedly wounded, many with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
While the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) denied firing near or within the aid site, it acknowledged firing warning shots at individuals approximately one kilometre away, hours before the site opened. The IDF insisted that no civilians were targeted.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency UNRWA, described the aid centre as a “death trap”, citing reports from medics on the ground.
The International Committee of the Red Cross also reported a record influx of casualties to its field hospital in the area.
The GHF rejected claims of gunfire near the distribution site, labelling the reports as fabrications.
Despite mounting criticism over its operations, GHF says it will expand its activities, claiming to have delivered nearly 5 million meals over six days.
UN Demands Probe Of Israeli Strike That Killed 31 At Gaza Aid Site is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
