UN Secretary-General Calls for Investigation Following Fatal Attack on Palestinians in Gaza
At least 31 Palestinians killed at aid distribution center as UN demands accountability and better access for humanitarian aid.
NEW YORK CITY: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed strong condemnation of the killing of at least 31 Palestinians who were gathered for food at an aid-distribution center in Gaza, which is reportedly supported by the United States.
Guterres called for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability for those responsible.
The attack, attributed to Israeli forces, occurred near the aid site in Rafah, located in the southern region of Gaza.
More than 176 individuals were reported injured during the incident.
Guterres stated, "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday.
It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food." He reiterated the necessity for an independent investigation into these tragic events.
The aid center involved is operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American organization collaborating with the Israeli government to implement a new aid-distribution framework in Gaza.
This new system seeks to bypass the traditional United Nations-led approach to humanitarian assistance.
The UN has opted not to cooperate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, citing concerns regarding its impartiality, and some humanitarian organizations have raised issues regarding the alignment of this initiative with Israeli military objectives.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reiterated the urgent call from the UN and its humanitarian partners for the full removal of restrictions on the delivery of aid and essential supplies to meet the basic needs of civilians in Gaza, where conditions remain dire.
Civilians are facing significant challenges, including water shortages, as a major pipeline in Deir Al-Balah that once delivered over 12,000 cubic meters of water daily is out of commission.
Humanitarian efforts to repair the pipeline have been thwarted, with five scheduled operations to distribute potable water to displaced persons in Jabaliya having been blocked by Israeli authorities.
In recent humanitarian efforts over the weekend, teams managed to collect over 100 truckloads of food and medical supplies from the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, raising the total to over 300 loads since the crossing's reopening.
However, access to these supplies remains inconsistent, as indicated by Dujarric, who noted that subsequent attempts to retrieve supplies were met with delays and denials by Israeli authorities.
"Even when the crossing is open, severe restrictions on what we can bring in, both in terms of volume and variety, means it’s still just a trickle of what people need," he said.
In his remarks, Guterres reaffirmed that "Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid." He stressed the importance of restoring the unimpeded entry of substantial assistance to adequately address the overwhelming needs in Gaza, while also calling for safe and secure working conditions for UN operations, grounded in respect for humanitarian principles.
Guterres called for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability for those responsible.
The attack, attributed to Israeli forces, occurred near the aid site in Rafah, located in the southern region of Gaza.
More than 176 individuals were reported injured during the incident.
Guterres stated, "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday.
It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food." He reiterated the necessity for an independent investigation into these tragic events.
The aid center involved is operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American organization collaborating with the Israeli government to implement a new aid-distribution framework in Gaza.
This new system seeks to bypass the traditional United Nations-led approach to humanitarian assistance.
The UN has opted not to cooperate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, citing concerns regarding its impartiality, and some humanitarian organizations have raised issues regarding the alignment of this initiative with Israeli military objectives.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reiterated the urgent call from the UN and its humanitarian partners for the full removal of restrictions on the delivery of aid and essential supplies to meet the basic needs of civilians in Gaza, where conditions remain dire.
Civilians are facing significant challenges, including water shortages, as a major pipeline in Deir Al-Balah that once delivered over 12,000 cubic meters of water daily is out of commission.
Humanitarian efforts to repair the pipeline have been thwarted, with five scheduled operations to distribute potable water to displaced persons in Jabaliya having been blocked by Israeli authorities.
In recent humanitarian efforts over the weekend, teams managed to collect over 100 truckloads of food and medical supplies from the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, raising the total to over 300 loads since the crossing's reopening.
However, access to these supplies remains inconsistent, as indicated by Dujarric, who noted that subsequent attempts to retrieve supplies were met with delays and denials by Israeli authorities.
"Even when the crossing is open, severe restrictions on what we can bring in, both in terms of volume and variety, means it’s still just a trickle of what people need," he said.
In his remarks, Guterres reaffirmed that "Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid." He stressed the importance of restoring the unimpeded entry of substantial assistance to adequately address the overwhelming needs in Gaza, while also calling for safe and secure working conditions for UN operations, grounded in respect for humanitarian principles.
