The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) revealed today that at least 613 civilians have been killed over the past month at or near aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip, including sites operated by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and other international relief convoys, including those managed by the UN.

OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, speaking at a Geneva press briefing, said 509 of the deaths occurred near GHF distribution points, with additional incidents reported up to June 27. “The toll may rise as we verify new reports,” she added, citing data from hospitals, cemeteries, families, Palestinian health authorities, local NGOs, and UN partners.

The GHF, which began operations in late May outside the UN-led humanitarian framework, uses private US security and logistics firms to deliver aid. Israel claims this prevents Hamas from seizing supplies, but the UN has criticized the approach as “inherently unsafe” and a violation of humanitarian neutrality. Despite reports of violence, GHF denies fatalities at its sites, claiming it has delivered over 52 million meals in five weeks while alleging other aid groups face widespread looting.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, is responsible for ensuring public safety and increasing aid access through multiple crossings. OCHA spokesperson Eri Kaneko called looting incidents “unacceptable” but avoidable with secure delivery systems.

Israel’s military aid coordination body, COGAT, has not responded to the UN findings. However, the Israeli military admitted earlier this week that civilians have been harmed at aid sites, citing revised protocols to address past incidents. Critics argue that militarized aid zones endanger civilians seeking food.

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has worsened after nearly two years of Israeli bombardment and siege, leaving infrastructure in ruins, most of its two million residents displaced, and severe shortages of essentials. International calls are mounting for an independent probe into the deaths and for a return to impartial, UN-led aid coordination to prevent further casualties. (ILKHA)