On Friday, July 11, 2025, the United Nations (UN) reported that nearly 800 Palestinians have died in Gaza since late May while attempting to access food aid, mostly near distribution centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the United States and Israel. According to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, 615 deaths were documented near GHF distribution points, and 183 more occurred along aid convoy routes managed by other organizations.
Why are these deaths occurring during food distribution?
The UN states that many of the victims were struck by gunfire from the Israeli Defense Forces, which opened fire during chaotic crowd gatherings or in areas designated as military zones. These operations, overseen by U.S., based private security contractors, exclude traditional UN agencies and lack clear protocols to ensure safety and neutrality.
While GHF claims to have delivered over 69 million meals, it denies any deaths near its sites and blames the incidents on the Israeli military or crossfire from Hamas.
Meanwhile, the UN and various humanitarian organizations have blamed Israel for creating a dangerous distribution system that puts vulnerable civilians at risk. They urge respect for international humanitarian law and demand the reinstatement of safe, coordinated access involving UN agencies. Since May 27, international aid groups have warned of a growing risk of famine in Gaza and criticized a model that seems to prioritize political interests over civilian safety.
In summary, this represents a severe humanitarian crisis, with around 800 people killed by gunfire while waiting for or approaching aid centers, under a distribution model described as “inherently unsafe” and inconsistent with basic humanitarian standards.
