On Friday (11 July), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) confirmed that at least 798 people had been killed near humanitarian aid sites in Gaza by 7 July. Most of the deaths occurred close to US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution points, while others occurred along routes used by UN-run convoys.
Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that 615 of the recorded deaths occurred at GHF-managed aid points and 183 occurred along aid delivery routes. The GHF began operating in late May, bypassing UN systems that Israel contends allowed militants to misuse aid by using private security and logistics firms. The UN has warned that the GHF aid model 'is inherently unsafe' and undermines impartial humanitarian access.
The GHF has denied responsibility for the deaths at its sites. The UN and its partner organisations are now calling for urgent reviews and improved coordination to protect civilians and ensure they have safe access to assistance.
Source: commonspace.eu with Arab News and other agencies.
