UN Declares Israel’s ‘Militarized’ Gaza Aid a War Crime Amid Mounting Casualties
UN Declares Israel’s ‘Militarized’ Gaza Aid a War Crime Amid Mounting Casualties
The United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) has issued a stark warning, asserting that Israel’s “militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism” in the Gaza Strip violates international standards and that the “weaponization of food” constitutes a war crime. The accusation comes as reports indicate a rapidly escalating death toll among Palestinians attempting to access desperately needed aid.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, OHCHR spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan emphasized that restricting or preventing access to life-sustaining services for civilians, alongside the weaponization of food, amounts to a war crime and potentially other international crimes. Al-Kheetan warned that this aid mechanism “endangers civilians and contributes to the catastrophic humanitarian situation” gripping Gaza.
Grim statistics underscore the severity of the crisis. Since May 27, when Israel’s US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operations, over 410 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to obtain food. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that the total death toll among Palestinians seeking aid at distribution points has now risen to 516. Additionally, at least 93 others have reportedly been killed approaching aid convoys from the UN and other humanitarian organizations, with a staggering 3,000 Palestinians injured in these incidents.
The OHCHR spokesperson stressed that the Israeli army has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach distribution points, leading to numerous fatalities. He reiterated that the killing and wounding of civilians through the unlawful use of firearms represents a grave breach of international law and a war crime. The UN official called for prompt and impartial investigations into each killing, demanding accountability for those responsible.
Gaza, already on the brink of famine, faces exacerbated conditions due to Israel’s ongoing blockade and “unlawful restrictions” on the entry and distribution of humanitarian assistance. This situation is compounded by the systematic destruction of local food production and the economy, along with repeated forced mass displacements over the past 20 months. The UN official noted that only a minimal number of aid trucks have been permitted entry since March 2, 2025, further strangling vital supplies.
Al-Kheetan urged the Israeli military to cease firing upon people seeking food and to allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid in accordance with international law. He also called for an immediate lifting of unlawful restrictions on the operations of the UN and other humanitarian organizations.
The current crisis unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict ignited on October 7, 2023. Israel is presently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are reportedly sought by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
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