The United Nations has accused Israel of committing a war crime by “weaponising food” in Gaza, condemning the country’s military for firing on civilians seeking aid and restricting access to essential supplies.
In a statement ahead of a briefing, the UN Human Rights Office said Israel’s approach to humanitarian aid in Gaza violates international standards. “Desperate, hungry people in Gaza continue to face the inhumane choice of either starving or risking death to get food,” it said.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and the U.S., began food distribution on May 26 after Israel blocked all supplies to the occupied territory for over two months, raising international alarms over looming famine. The UN said that “100 percent of the population” is now at risk.
However, the UN and other major aid groups have declined to work with the GHF, citing concerns that it serves Israeli military interests and lacks transparency. UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan reported chaotic and deadly scenes at GHF distribution sites, claiming the Israeli military has repeatedly fired on Palestinians trying to access aid — killing over 410 people.
Al-Kheetan added that an additional 93 people had been killed while approaching aid convoys run by the UN or other agencies, and at least 3,000 have been injured in such incidents.
“These killings must be promptly and impartially investigated,” he said. “The use of starvation and the denial of access to basic necessities are war crimes under international law.”
The UN urged Israel to stop shooting at civilians trying to access food, allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza and lift unlawful restrictions on the work of humanitarian organisations.
Al-Kheetan called on the international community to pressure Israel to fulfill its responsibilities as the occupying power and ensure Palestinians have access to food and essential services.
AFP
